"Israel Today" published its first edition today, after months of secrecy. The free newspaper is owned by Sheldon Adelson. The paper's staff say that 150,000 copies were distributed this morning. The paper has 32 pages of current affairs, opinions, sports, business, and recreation.
"Israel Today" announced that it would give NPOs and welfare organizations free advertising during its first month. It added that, except for these free ads, it would not publish ads by companies. Sources inform "Globes" that the newspaper is negotiating with other media companies to advertise in the paper.
A senior source at a media company told "Globes" that ""Israel Today" sought to open negotiations with his company about possible advertising rates, but the asking price was too high and not worthwhile, because we're talking about a new media outlet that has not yet proven itself."
The source added, "The newspaper is asking for triple the ad prices asked by Israel's other free newspaper, "Israeli"."
Media sources say that a full page ad in "Israeli" costs NIS 5,000-10,000, and some advertisers pay as little as NIS 2,500.
"Israeli" declined to comment about its advertising rates.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on July 30, 2007
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007