Northern & Shell has been awarded the contract to sell advertising for the Greater London Authority's monthly free tabloid newspaper, The Londoner, in a move that will see owner Richard Desmond edge closer to London mayor, Ken Livingstone.
The GLA head could yet cut through any distribution red tape in the way of Desmond's planned new free evening paper launch and the move will be closely watched, especially at rival Associated Newspapers, publisher of Metro and the Evening Standard.
"The Londoner is an exceptional monthly advertising vehicle to reach the London audience," said Stan Myerson, joint managing director of N&S and the man touted to be the advertising director of the proposed London Evening Mail.
"While waiting for the right opportunity to launch the London evening paper for commuters, we are delighted the GLA has chosen N&S to act on its behalf," he added.
Former Evening Standard ad director Mike Orlov, who was brought in by Northern & Shell to lead the sales effort for the new London evening paper, has been put in charge of sales for the GLA's monthly massdistribution title.
"Given the high rates charged by other London-orientated print media, The Londoner is extraordinary value," said Orlov.
Louise Harris, head of public consultation and communication at the GLA, said: "Of all the bids we received, Northern & Shell offered the best market position to launch and drive forward advertising sales for The Londoner."
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