German phony but dirty paper war
Although no concrete plans for free newspapers have been disclosed in Germany, publishers and distributors are sharpening their knives. As Deutsche Post is losing the monopoly on postal distribution this year, it thinks seriously about launching a free newspaper or distributing it for others. Already three parties are said to be interested in the plan.
Other German newspapers like Springer (Bild Zeitung), WAZ (Essen) and Reinische Post (Düsseldorf) are active in postal delivery already while also Springer is participating in a postal service: PIN. Both private parties have argued against the introduction of fixed minimum wages for postal workers as this would lead to higher costs for themselves.
Springer even used Bild Zeitung to launch a campaign against the new wage plans – of course without revealing their economic interest in the matter. WAZ is also involved in the PIN project and has uttered similar protests.
With newspapers going into postal service, Deutsche Post would be even more inclined to into free newspapers. (ComCologne)
More about German circulation tomorrow.