MediaTel

Following speculation (see Scottish Media Gets Results), the Scottish Media Group (SMG) has confirmed that it is planning to launch a new Sunday newspaper. The title will be edited by Andrew Jaspan, formerly of the Sunday Times, Scotland On Sunday and The Observer.

The decision to launch another Sunday was made following extensive research which, according to SMG, "revealed strong interest from advertisers, north and south of the border, for a new quality Sunday title in Scotland."

The new newspaper is set for publication during 1999 in time for the creation of the independent Scottish Parliament. The company will not reveal further details about the title, such as whether it is to be tabloid or broadsheet, 'due to commercial sensitivity'.

The new title will be up against the Barclay brothers' Scotland On Sunday, DC Thompson's Sunday Post and the Mirror Group's Sunday Mail, amongst others.

Scotland Sundays Circulation Figures

Source: ABC

Jaspan is confident the move will be successful, saying: "There has never been a better time to launch a new Scottish Sunday newspaper. This is a pivotal time for Scotland, and we will play a constructive role as Scotland moves into a new era."

Scottish Media Group: 0141 300 3000