This entry discusses free newspapers that are fully financed through advertising and are, therefore, available for audiences free of charge. Although often perceived of as low-quality substitutes for proper newspapers, free newspapers became hugely popular in the 2000s. This type of newspapers has, however, experienced dramatic decreases in circulation and readership as well as the number of titles with the increased popularity of online media and mobile devices. The entry discusses the business model of free newspapers, their quality, and their history and development.

Business Model

In the first instance, it is the business model that distinguishes free newspapers from other types of newspapers as it deviates slightly (but on an important point) from the standard business model.

In the most elementary form, commercial media operate in ...

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