The company behind the idea of the free morning newspaper, Sweden’s Metro International, has today announced the launch of a new newswire and information service called Metro World News. Versions of Metro International’s free
Metro newspaper are now published in 18 cities around the world and the business model has been adopted by Associated Newspapers and Guardian Media Group in the UK. Associated launched the first UK
Metro in London in a defensive move ahead of Metro International’s plans to secure the London Underground contract.
Metro World News (MWN) will provide news, feature articles and information services to all 17 Metro editions, allowing the group – recently floated on Nasdaq in Stockholm – to make substantial cost savings. MWN will also reinforce Metro’s position as a global newspaper by introducing global stories in local languages, says Metro International.
Tony Metcalf, Metro International editor in chief, will head up the new division and be responsible for introducing the new service to the 17 Metro editions in 13 countries around the world. “Metro is a global concept and a global newspaper. This development is evidence of our commitment to consistently improving the quality and reach of our editorial. With 17 editions, we have a considerable amount of news flow everyday, which it makes perfect sense to share across our editions. Each edition continues to carry a high proportion of local news and the Metro concept ensures that our editors maintain an independent and non-political line,” says Metcalf.
Metro International launched its first free morning paper in Stockholm in 1995 and the company now has a market capitalisation of more than $700 million.
