Metro set for more regional launches

by Media Week, Media Week 27-Nov-07

Associated Newspapers plans to expand its regional coverage of Metro next year into the North West and East of England.

Associated operates Metro in 16 cities, but it is planning a targeted
expansion. Steve Auckland, managing director of the free division, said
that September would be the ideal time to bring Metro to new cities.

He said: "There are quite a few gaps for Metro to launch. There are

still large areas that are not covered in the North West and East. We
are finding that partners are now suggesting areas that they didn't do
five years ago."

The newspaper is printed and distributed locally by Trinity Mirror,
Guardian Media Group, Johnston Press and Associated Northcliffe, so it
would make sense for any new launches to be in regional areas covered by
these arrangements.

Auckland added: "Any launch will be nine months away - we haven't done
the work yet.

"We are in most large areas, so it would be going down to the secondary
cities."