USA Today Company – which until recently called itself Gannett – has made it clear that it’s not taking the arrival in the west coast of New York Post publisher Rupert Murdoch lying down.

Murdoch’s News Corp has announced that right-leaning tabloid the California Post centred on Los Angeles, will launch on January 26.

A Today Californian digital newsletter – delivering “essential state news to Californians and readers nationwide” – will be complemented by an expanded California section on USA Today’s digital platform. The publisher now known as USA Today Co also owns more than 200 local publications across the country.

The network’s regional editor west, Greg Burton promises “a fresh take on California news, sports and culture, told by journalists who live it, not just cover it”. The digital service will draw from its eight local daily publications in the state with daily updates on politics, economy and major state developments, as well as comprehensive sports coverage “connecting teams to community identity”. Weekly deep dives into policy impacts, innovation trends and cultural movements will be supported by analysis from the network’s California-based journalists.

Local news senior vice president Michael Anastasi says the dedicated state-focused newsletter will provide “journalism rigor that fosters trust among readers and reliable access to timely information to inform readers’ decision-making”.

USA Today Network says it is making “significant investments” to expand its journalistic footprint across California, naming a six-person Today Californian team with “ongoing recruitment efforts” underway.