Standard Lite Confirms Closure With New Freesheet Launch

Associated Newspapers has said it will close the free Standard Lite edition of the Evening Standard, after confirming its plans to launch its lunchtime London Lite freesheet to compete with News International’s thelondonpaper.

The commuter-targeted London Lite will launch in September with a circulation of 350,000 – 400,000 copies to be handed out at around noon in zone 1 in the capital.

The Evening Standard will also shift around its publication times, retaining its focus on news, analysis, entertainment and sport, whilst the new title will focus on celebrity and entertainment in the city.

Veronica Wadley, editor of the Standard, said: “We intend to build on the Evening Standard‘s great reputation for news and quality journalism.”

It was rumoured last week that the Lite edition of the paper could cease (see Freesheet War Steps Up With New Entry Into The Market). News International’s title will begin publication on September 18 and is set to be distributed from 4.30pm.