Quality Tabloid In Distribution Talks With Daily Mail

The so-called quality tabloid being developed by Independent founder Stephen Glover is believed to be negotiating a wide-ranging distribution deal with Associated Newspapers.

Glover is understood to have already secured several high-profile editorial signings for the audacious venture, which looks likely to be modelled on European newspapers such as France’s Le Monde.

Reports also suggest that an outline agreement for distribution by Associated Newspapers has also been drawn up for the as yet unnamed title, which looks set to launch once its has secured the required £15 million worth of financial backing.

Glover and recently appointed managing director of the title, Vicky Unwin, have declined to comment on any agreement but have stated that they have talked to a number of different newspaper groups at home and abroad.

The newspaper, which has been in development for almost a year, has reportedly been inundated with enquiries from journalists interested in jobs. It has also been encouraged by the successes of both the Times and Independent‘s tabloid incarnations (see ABC National Newspaper Round-Up – January 2004).

It is understood that the new quality tabloid is aiming for a circulation of 100,000. Glover claims that quality broadsheets like The Daily Telegraph and The Times have turned off upmarket readers with too many consumer and celebrity stories.

The speculation surrounding a distribution deal with Associated Newspapers comes less than a month after the Mail On Sunday ended its agreement with troubled financial title The Business, in a move that looks set to significantly knock the paper’s circulation (see Associated Ends Distribution Deal With The Business).

Associated Newspapers: 020 7938 6000 www.associatednewspapers.com

Recent Newspaper Stories from NewsLine ABC National Newspaper Round-Up – January 2004 DMGT Enters Telegraph Battle As Hollinger Receives Bids Desmond Mounts Two Pronged Attack On Telegraph Titles

Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive