Comments on: Dutch frees included in press fund http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/index.php/2008/11/15/dutch-frees-included-in-press-fund/ Daily blogging on free daily newspapers Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:25:38 +0100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Piet Bakker http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/index.php/2008/11/15/dutch-frees-included-in-press-fund/comment-page-1/#comment-42741 Piet Bakker Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:13:01 +0000 http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/?p=1789#comment-42741 Dear Sakari, The 'soft policy' is my interpretation of course, and having a guest editor because of a 'marketing deal' smells of mutual commercial interest. In the current circumstances newspapers have to think of new ways to make money and free newspapers have been much more innovative than paid papers. I actually am very much in favor if all that. But still there is the fundamental question of independent reporting. It is a line easily crossed and the Blunt-deal was a good starting point for discussion in my view. Dear Sakari,

The ’soft policy’ is my interpretation of course, and having a guest editor because of a ‘marketing deal’ smells of mutual commercial interest.

In the current circumstances newspapers have to think of new ways to make money and free newspapers have been much more innovative than paid papers. I actually am very much in favor if all that.

But still there is the fundamental question of independent reporting. It is a line easily crossed and the Blunt-deal was a good starting point for discussion in my view.

]]> By: Sakari Pitkanen http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/index.php/2008/11/15/dutch-frees-included-in-press-fund/comment-page-1/#comment-42034 Sakari Pitkanen Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:42:08 +0000 http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/?p=1789#comment-42034 Dear Piet and blog readers. Just a correction. 1. Metro does not have a "soft" policy on commercial influences. 2. Warner did not pay Metro anything and Metro did not pay Warner. 3. Yes, there was a huge marketing campaign for James Blunt being guest editor in Metro, from both Metro and Warner. Of course as the event was unique. And I might also add that the event was a huge and global success for both Metro and Blunt. Sakari Pitkanen Global Editor In chief Metro International Dear Piet and blog readers.
Just a correction.
1. Metro does not have a “soft” policy on commercial influences.
2. Warner did not pay Metro anything and Metro did not pay Warner.
3. Yes, there was a huge marketing campaign for James Blunt being guest editor in Metro, from both Metro and Warner. Of course as the event was unique.
And I might also add that the event was a huge and global success for both Metro and Blunt.

Sakari Pitkanen
Global Editor In chief
Metro International

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