Guardian Media Group and Associated Newspapers are in talks aimed
at ending their morning paper war in Manchester.
The two national newspaper giants have been feuding since last November
when Associated encroached on GMG’s patch with its free morning paper,
Metro. GMG launched a rival, Manchester Metro News, and the battle
became the most bitter of the provincial Metro wars.
Both parties have realised there is only room for one title and an
alliance similar to those negotiated in Newcastle and Birmingham is on
the cards.
In both those cities, Associated’s Metro was competing against local
Trinity Mirror alternatives. They have now combined to produce one
version.
Editorial and national advertising sales are provided by Associated,
while Trinity Mirror provides local ad sales, printing and
distribution.
There has been no breakthrough in the Manchester talks. One sticking
point is likely to be the ’Metro’ name. GMG has produced a lucrative
weekly Manchester Metro News for many years.
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