Desmond Plans To Launch New Evening Paper For London

Richard Desmond is believed to be planning the launch of a free evening newspaper for London early next year.

According to reports, Desmond, who owns the Express Newspaper Group, is set to launch the Evening Mail in the first quarter of 2003. The title would compete directly with Associated Newspapers’ Evening Standard, which currently enjoys a circulation of around 400,000.

The launch could represent a significant threat for Associated Newspapers, which also publishes free morning title, the Metro. However, Associated owns the distribution contract for London’s railway and tube stations, making them out of bounds for Desmond, who could be forced to employ people to distribute the newspaper on the street.

The Evening Mail would be Desmond’s second new launch in six months following the entrance of the Daily Star Sunday into the tabloid market last September (see NewsLine Feature: Sunday Star Hopes To Shine). Desmond is hoping the spin-off title will enjoy the same success as its daily sibling, which has seen circulation rise steadily over the last few months.

Recent reports also suggest that Desmond is considering a bid for Scottish Media Group’s Virgin Radio. It is understood that Desmond, who has made no secret of his plans to expand his media interests, has discussed a plan to buy the commercial radio station at board level (see Desmond Reported To Be Considering Virgin Radio Bid).

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