Wigdorovits plans new free newspaper
Sacha Wigdorovits, the former project manager and board member of the free newspaper 20 Minuten, has entered the race for the free newspaper market and, according to a report in the *NZZ am Sonntag*, is planning to launch another free newspaper.
Sacha Wigdorovits, the former project manager and board member of the free newspaper 20 Minuten, has entered the race for the free newspaper market and is planning another free newspaper, according to a report in "NZZ am Sonntag". Wigdorovits confirmed to the "NZZ am Sonntag" that a concept is available and that all necessary preliminary clarifications have been made. Wigdorovits wants to launch the new free newspaper with the participation of regional publishers. Both Basler Zeitung Medien and the AZ Medien Group have confirmed that talks are underway. However, there is currently a pause for thought.
According to "NZZ am Sonntag", the Wigdorovits project has little chance of success due to two stumbling blocks. The planned free paper is not to be distributed via the newspaper box, but by means of early delivery. However, this type of distribution does not suit the regional publishers. The second problem lies with the Bern-based Espace Media Group. Although it is keen to participate in a free newspaper, it would prefer to participate in 20 Minuten than in Wigdorovits' project. An appeal against the ruling of the Competition Commission, which prohibited the Bern-based company from acquiring 17.5 percent of 20 Minuten in January 2004, is still pending. The "NZZ am Sonntag" sees real chances for Wigdorovits' project only if Espace Media is also denied a stake in 20 Minuten by the Appeals Commission.
Ringier is also currently planning two free newspapers, the business newspaper "Cash daily", which is to be delivered in the morning, and a free newspaper for a younger readership, which is likely to be offered to commuters in the evening.
According to "NZZ am Sonntag", the Wigdorovits project has little chance of success due to two stumbling blocks. The planned free paper is not to be distributed via the newspaper box, but by means of early delivery. However, this type of distribution does not suit the regional publishers. The second problem lies with the Bern-based Espace Media Group. Although it is keen to participate in a free newspaper, it would prefer to participate in 20 Minuten than in Wigdorovits' project. An appeal against the ruling of the Competition Commission, which prohibited the Bern-based company from acquiring 17.5 percent of 20 Minuten in January 2004, is still pending. The "NZZ am Sonntag" sees real chances for Wigdorovits' project only if Espace Media is also denied a stake in 20 Minuten by the Appeals Commission.
Ringier is also currently planning two free newspapers, the business newspaper "Cash daily", which is to be delivered in the morning, and a free newspaper for a younger readership, which is likely to be offered to commuters in the evening.
