The troubled newspaper industry was dealt another blow as Rupert Murdoch's News International announced plans to close its London evening freesheet, thelondonpaper.
The title posted a pre-tax loss of almost £13 million, prompting its parent company to pull the plug. News International has embarked on a 30-day consultation with the newspaper's 60 staff.
The decision has been taken at a time when News Internation is planning strategies to increase its digital revenues, particularly by introducing paid content to its online empire, which includes The Times and The Sun.
Now that thelondonpaper is set to close, all eyes will be on its rival, Associated Newspapers' London Lite. Like thelondonpaper, it has been hit by a downturn in traditional advertising as companies explore alternatives like digital direct marketing.
