Electronic newspapers may be the next step for French newspapers, as France Télécom tests out its electronic reading device on more than a hundred people, the New York Times (NYT) reported. The Read & Go electronic reader lets users download newspaper content through the firm's wireless network and features an important aspect of the newspaper industry: advertisements.

Paul-François Fournier, France Télécom's senior vice president for online advertising, mentioned that the company's aim is to aid newspapers in succeeding in the digital age, since newspapers seem to have difficulties doing that on their own, the NYT reported.  

Seven publications are taking part in the trial, including the dailies Le Monde, Le Figaro, Le Parisien, Libération, L'Equipe (sports), Les Échos (business) and the weekly entertainment and culture magazine Télérama.

There is some anxiety over the possibility that a firm like France Télécom might take over the newspaper business, much like Google did with search advertising, the NYT reported.

However, Pascal Laroche, Libération's digital version director, said the electronic reader may be a supplement to its other editions and "will not replace the newspaper".
 
French print newspaper advertising revenue and readership is not at its best and online ad revenue and audiences haven't made up for the loss, according to the NYT.

In France, France Télécom has 24 million mobile subscribers to whom the service may be marketed. The company may even introduce Read & Go to foreign markets where it has mobile networks, like the UK.

Whether consumers or advertisers will be convinced to use the Read & Go remains to be seen. The product may be introduced next year, according to the NYT.

Source:The New York Times

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