English Newspaper Hits Streets of Mexico, Pledging Independence
English language newspaper The News hit the streets of Mexico City today after a five year hiatus.
Its directors have promised a more independent tone this time around. In its prior incarnation The News kept its head under the parapet, preferring to keep its advertisers and powerful readers happy rather than rocking the boat.
Victor Hugo O’Farrill Ávila, owner and chairman of The News, said in the opening pages of today’s edition that the aim of the newspaper is to be ‘constructive and serious’, as his grandfather said some 60 years ago when launching the original form of the title in 1950.
But John Moody, chief executive of the paper, was much more bullish when he spoke to MexicoReporter.com a couple of weeks ago.
“I think that we’re going to be the only newspaper in Mexico that sells its readers and not paper and ink. I’m at the service of my readers and not my advertisers.”
In a swipe at the current lack of financial and editorial independence within most of Mexico’s mainstream daily and weekly news publications, Moody said that the title intended to report without bias.
“My space is not for sale editorially in any way shape or form and I would venture to say that makes me unique in Mexico.”
How The News handles the powers in Mexican society in its pages will be interesting to watch. Violence against journalists in Mexico is at an all time high, and the Government is reportedly one of the main perpetrators of attacks and intimidation against media works, according to Article 19.
Titles such as Proceso, a weekly news magazine, and the daily newspaper la Jornada suffer financially for their critical tone. The Government – one of the biggest advertisers in the market – withholds ads from such titles and commercial companies are also wary of being seen in newspapers and magazines that criticize the powers that be.
“I’m not giving my editor Tom Buckley an editorial line,” says Moody.
“Which means the owners aren’t giving me one. The line I’ve given my editor and will enforce is that everything that is published be of use or of interest to my readers. So we’re not going to avoid themes or favor any political party and I think it’s going to be a mix.
“What I’m trying to create is a professional newspaper with an independent editorial line and I think Mexico is ready for it,” said Moody.
The daily newspaper is aimed at the 1.5 million people in Mexico who speak English. It is the only English-speaking newspaper in the country and enters a sparsely populated market. The only other national English-language title in the country is Inside Mexico, a monthly magazine, whose editorial is lifestyle, travel and literature rather than news.
Moody was buoyant in his expectations for the newspaper, which he claims confidently will be the best in Mexico and ‘the Carlsberg of newspapers.’
The advertising market, usually skeptical about new launches and burnt by the spate of English newspapers which have tried and failed to succeed in Mexico, has responded better than expected according to Moody.
“The average income of my readers is higher than the average income of any other newspaper in Mexico,” he explains.
The first edition however, is rather light on ads, with a spot for a residential club on page 15, a whole page ad for Mexico’s biggest bank Bancomer and a whole page in the sports section for Jeep watches.
The design is neat and modern, and rather resembles the newly designed Guardian in the UK. Big colour photos adorn its pages and original content mixes with news and features from Bloomberg, the Associated Press and the New York Times.
Regards for helping out, great info. “The four stages of man are infancy, childhood, adolescence, and obsolescence.” by Bruce Barton.
uniquely yours
Very interesting subject , thanks for posting . “The friendship that can cease has never been real.” by Saint Jerome.
http://bethanybeachvacation.onsugar.com/Unwind-Bethany-Beach-Vacation-Rentals-17589484 Bethany Beach Vacation Rentals
http://www.flixya.com/blog/3031891/Unwind-at-Bethany-Beach-Vacation-Rentals Bethany Beach Vacation Rentals
Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!”In politics stupidity is not a handicap.” by Napoleon Bonaparte.
I like your writing style truly loving this site. “Nature is God’s greatest evangelist.” by Johathan Edwards.
I think this site contains very fantastic written content material articles.
Finding this site made all the work I did to find it look like nothing The reason being that this is such an informative post I wanted to thank you for this special analysis of the subject I ate every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post
Do not drink alcohol even though using Valium This medicine can increase the effects of alcohol Brand Valium no prescription
I was studying some of your posts on this site and I think this website is really informative ! Keep on posting .
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and stay up for in the hunt for more of your wonderful post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.
I haven’t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend
Very nice design and good articles , practically nothing else we require : D.
Real nice style and design and excellent written content , hardly anything else we want : D.
Very interesting subject, regards for posting.
Amazing site…
I really liked your blog, thanks for sharing this useful information……
Great website…
Cool post, I really enjoyed reading it. I will check out your site for some more content on this subject….