Denmark - an interview on the fiercest of freesheet wars
Since August 2006, three new freesheets, 24 Timer, Nyhedsavisen and Dato, have been launched in Denmark. That brings the total number of free papers up to 5, for a country of only 5 million inhabitants. Christina Ove Holm, journalism analyst and writer for Nyhedsbrevet Danske Presse, spoke to the Editors Weblog in an interview about the ongoing ‘freesheet war’, considering the effects it had on the traditional newspaper industry, the benefits and inconveniences for the population, as well as the future for free papers.
Christina Ove Holm, journalism analyst and writer for Nyhedsbrevet Danske Presse, spoke to the Editors Weblog in an interview about the ongoing ‘freesheet war’, considering the effects it has on the traditional newspaper industry, the benefits and inconveniences for the population, as well as the future for free papers – in the light of their most recent innovation, free home-delivery.
Why have free papers enjoyed such success in Denmark? Well, one of the tautological answers is that people read “more and more because there are more,” Holm said.
This freesheet war obviously affects traditional newspaper companies. According to Holm however, freesheets and newspapers target different readerships, so the freesheet war shouldn’t lead to traditional newspapers’ downfall – in the near future. Most regular newspaper readers still buy their publication, and it’s mostly the uneducated or younger population who exclusively reads free papers. Since the interview though, regular paid-for dailies have registered significant losses due to the extreme competition. The Berlingske Officin recently announced it would cut 350 jobs in the next two years (13% of its workforce). Of course a share of readership has been transferred to the newcomers: young families or daily commuters who would rather save the 4000 kröner ($700 plus) per year on the paid-for subscriptions.
Since the emergence of free papers on the Danish market, main traditional titles such as Politiken or the Berlingske have changed their design and content, forming “a new newspaper.” More and more, these newspapers are changing their focus, providing “not so much news” as they expand on interviews, features and background stories. Traditional newspapers take on another role for the readership who “wants stories from the real life,” leaving basic information coverage to the free papers. As strange as it may seem for a newspaper, Politiken now covers a lot of its ‘real news’ through headlines at the top of its page, or by publishing local news only on its web edition.
Despite format conversions, target audience switches and marketing operations, ‘old' newspapers’ fate is grim in the long run. “They won’t always be here,” Holm said..
“For the population it’s maybe a good thing,” said Holm about free papers, although she agrees it may be bad news for traditional newspaper companies.
According to her, “more and more young people are reading the paper,” a fundamentally positive thing in a day and age in which newspapers fail to grasp the young readership. Even if the younger generation gets used to reading freesheets, it helps to get into the habit of reading the news, and, in theory, these readers could start paying for their newspapers as they grow up.
The population effectively “already knows all the news” through its free dailies. They constitute a “quick way for information,” by giving “a whole view of what’s happening.” Some of the free papers are even divided into local editions, another plus since people will always “like to read about their town and schools,” said Holm.
Even for Holm, who defends traditional newspapers, free dailies give her “something to do” on her daily commute. The clarity of freesheets’ presentation, combined with their null price, should guarantee free papers’ initial success.
But aren’t the freesheet war and excessive concurrence going to hinder both the newspapers and the readership harassed by ‘in-your-face’ news?
Despite the great success of free papers in Denmark, the three new launches are “only at the beginning” and currently lose a lot of money – rumors speak of 1 million kröners per day. For example, 20% of the Danish population read freesheets before the three recent launches. Since then, only 25% of the population reads free papers, a relatively small increase. “They’re still optimistic,” said Holm, but they “have big problems with distribution,” particularly the home-delivery system. Freesheets are in a difficult situation because from day to day “they don’t know if they’ll be making their newspaper or not,” she added.
High delivery costs make the delivery operation less than profitable. Low unemployment rates are causing a lack of delivery workers – in turn causing an influx of foreign job-seekers, and the free papers have a hard time getting physical access into buildings where the people don’t want them. Other freesheet objectors put a sticker on their mailbox to signal their refusal.
Holm acknowledged, jokingly, that sometimes “it’s difficult to get to work because everybody is trying to give you a newspaper,” or that “some days you can’t open your mail box” because it’s crammed with free deliveries. It’s true “some people are getting tired of it”. High-density traffic distribution seems to remain the most effective way to circulate freesheets, and Holm believes this would confer the advantage to the well-implemented Urban and Metro papers. The innovative gamble made on free home-delivery hasn’t kept its promise yet.
Nonetheless, this won’t suffice to wither freesheets’ dominance in Denmark. As opposed to traditional newspapers, Holm believed free papers are here to stay. She was quite certain there wouldn’t be any new launches though. On the other hand, she was “one hundred percent sure one of the papers would close” within a year (she couldn’t say which one on the record). According to her, this should ease the market by allowing the remaining titles and regular readers, still in a formative stage – to develop a more definite position.
Source: Christina Ove Holm - Editors Weblog
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![Digg](http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.editorsweblog.org%2Fanalysis%2F2006%2F12%2Fdenmark_an_interview_on_the_fi.php&bodytext=<p><img width="213" height="120" border="0" align="top" src="http://www.editorsweblog.org/analysis/pb270094.jpg" /> </p><p>Since August 2006, three new freesheets, <em>24 Timer</em>, <em>Nyhedsavisen</em> and <em>Dato</em>, have been launched in Denmark. That brings the total number of free papers up to 5, for a country of only 5 million inhabitants. <strong>Christina Ove Holm</strong>, journalism analyst and writer for <strong>Nyhedsbrevet Danske Presse</strong>, spoke to the <strong>Editors Weblog</strong> in an interview about the ongoing ‘freesheet war’, considering the effects it had on the traditional newspaper industry, the benefits and inconveniences for the population, as well as the future for free papers.</p>&title=Denmark - an interview on the fiercest of freesheet wars){kind=link}
Scientists and Chicago Police (Reports Avail) and Great Lakes Naval Research Involved -Krok, Gunn and Kennedy at DOE/Argonne procurement cover-up -Argus Security (Reports Avail) and Lincoln Properties involved- International front has known for over a year - People identified -Seeking assistance regarding Bill of Rights and National Security Breaches by Illinois Leaders (Blago, Durbin, Daley, Hastert and others)
Referencing Equal Justice, ethics, proper medical care and your commitment to these standards. I'm seeking your assistance.
This is important to corporations that value their databases - data on clients, etc... How many international companies involved or affected?
(May have been set up by Bill Daley for TIA - Lydia got Whitehead)
Plus - too many in key positions failing to uphold the Constitution and protect United States' citizens and businesses. 1st Amendment, 6th Amendment and more...
Also - redirection of civil rights, especially the 6th amendment is up to ten years in prison or life if the victim dies.
Hello:
Whom do I contact to file a formal complaint and initiate a legitimate investigation against the Office of Lisa Madigan as well as the Illinois Professional Regulators and Joy Cunningham of the Chicago Bar Association and Northwestern University Hospital as well as Mark Frey and Mark Hianek? Additionally, attorneys with the DOJ that were illegal in their actions include Christopher Painter, David Margolis, Albert Moskowitz, Eric Klumb, Kathleen Sears, and Dean Giorakis. Drs. Rafique, Neary and Dago also involved, in addition to Byron Hollis of BCBS.
Please provide phone and name of the contact person to register the complaint. Additionally since there was redirection of medical attention and legal due process, if you know of a contact for the care needed, that would be appreciated. I’m working and handling this alone without the support of government entities legally required to uphold the laws of this state and country. It is a challenge.
Thank you for your assistance.
(Since this is under investigation please note that any who handle this email will be identified)
The following provides some detail as to the negligence of Lisa Madigan's office
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 05:40:44 -0800 (PST)
From: "Wendy Tarzian" Add to Address Book
Subject: You Edelman DOE FBI CIA Erroneous SDN listing
To: mmerz@atg.state.il.us, lmadigan@atg.state.il.us
(Parentheses inclusions amended to show evidence available)
Melissa,
Having had your resume at Edelman, that also remained with them. Since I am able to show an Edelman connection with each redirection of due process (documented - arrests without trials, records, falsified records -medical and police- etc.). Additionally, multiple attorneys in Lisa Madigan's office failed to understand the Bill of Rights. Edelman has been interviewing attorneys for a corporate position, has Edelman interviewed any in Lisa Madigan's office? Or, has Leslie Dach or Rob Rehg redirected due process (aside from using my name to recruit for their DC, NY and Chicago offices for more than two years without compensation - fax confirmations)?
Additionally, I originally was calling the police for the break-ins related to Northwestern (hard data stolen and damaged) and was also having computer problems. My system was erroneously connected to the teragrid which accidentally exposed Argonne which then involved DOE. Since the state was positioning itself for the DOE deal with Argonne, is this the motive for the State's now very well documented redirection of due process?
Also, the SDN listing looks like it was run through University of Illinois and Argonne which would have involved redirection from the FBI. I have documentation showing CIA redirection regarding allegiance to university versus state. The grid is suppose to be secured by DoD, the Naval Research employee surgery video (jpg of video available) left in my house from a break-in shows redirection of due process and cover-up.
As the spokesperson for Lisa Madigan you have a responsibility. The documentation and pattern by you is a disgrace. Does every state need to reduce itself to the level of ineptness and criminal activity, as Madigan has?
-WT
www.tarziansearch.com
Tarzian Search Consultants, Inc.
401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-867-0001
Fax: 312-867-0004
www.tarziansearch.com
Now, for the follow-up - just in case you want to know why I contacted you:
As noted, my system was incorrectly connected to the teragrid via Northwestern's portion of the grid (via a Lincoln Properties building - notified - refused to account for actions). You'll find that most of the universities that were entrusted to secure these supercomputers failed to do so. As a result, all confidential e-mails, archives, etc for the gov and their perspective affiliations are now on the net free to access by anyone using a search engine. This is very much like taking a picture of a person in public. I've been trying to secure correction for this matter.
However, I've had interference and redirection from the state of Illinois, including having express lane gates open on me while driving 55 mph (two different videos available). The latest is having oil added to my car's steering fluid. This doesn't include the copper and manganese toxicity (have been detoxing organically) and the redirection from the lab, tampered results and refusal to correct - multiple medical facilities (MRI & CAT scan confirmation). Also, my Brother MFC printer was hacked through so much via wireless that it was replaced free twice and they hacked through my HP via hard fax line - confirmed.
I would appreciate the military and whatever contractors and government entities erroneously involved to correct their error and hold to account the criminals that choose to expose the country and hurt innocent people. Plus, if this is a breach, which evidence shows it is, it would be putting troops in harms way. Perhaps too many politicians family members are involved to correct in a timely manner?
Quote regarding Argonne (to be used for conspiring to cover-up):
“It is critical that the public and private sectors in Illinois work together to support Argonne as the location for this important new facility,” Gov. Blagojevich said. The task force he created is spearheaded by Argonne Director Hermann Grunder, University of Chicago President Don Randel and Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Other task force members include U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, Sen. Richard Durbin, Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, Illinois Coalition Chairman Samuel Skinner, University of Illinois President James Stukel and Northwestern University President Henry Bienen.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,115684,00.asp
Tarzian Search Consultants, Inc.
401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-867-0001
Fax: 312-867-0004
www.tarziansearch.com
Make an intelligent assessment - Request the evidence
Should you wish for me to send you the supporting documentation, please send me your fax number (I've had problems with SBC - so, if you do not hear back from me within three days, please mail to my office your request www.tarziansearch.com)
Don't let this be the country that fails to account and yet demands accountability for others. That combination is dangerous.
* Look at what I've gone through and then look at the response. What's happened to this country?
THE INTERNET IS INTERNATIONAL - THAT I NEED TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THIS IS OF CONCERN
Requests for evidence including case report numbers will be taken and the recipient should receive them within two weeks (pending video duplication and delivery). A complete list of government officials and law firms contacted is being compiled for distribution and
accountability.
Tarzian Search Consultants, Inc.
401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-867-0001
Fax: 312-867-0004
www.tarziansearch.com