Paper Monitor
09:50 UK time, Tuesday, 6 February 2007
A service highlighting the riches of the daily press.
When exactly did newspapers start to think of themselves not simply as peddlers of current events, but retailers trading on the trust and goodwill they have built with readers?
While the Daily Telegraph's business section today weighs up Sainsbury's tentative plans to follow Tesco and Asda down the non-food retailing route, the paper, like its competitors, has achieved a not dissimilar metamorphosis, with its Telegraph-branded offers and promotions.
Today's include:
• A private tour of Buckingham Palace, as part of a "four-star hotel package" (Note: the hotel in question is not Buck House);
• Low-energy light bulbs – "buy four for £24.99 and get four extra free". (In other words, £25 for eight);
• Crossword puzzle solver. (At £19.95 a snip next to the 60p per minute Telegraph crossword helpline);
• The chance to win an "Official Bafta gift collection box". (Eh?);
• The offer of saving £350 on "stylish Wedgwood cutlery". (For those who are in the habit of spending somewhat more than £350 in the first place on their knives, forks and spoons); and
• £10 tickets to Shakespeare.
Two other unrelated points to make about today's press.
1. The Sun's exclusive on the was held back for later editions, doubtless to avoid night editors on the other papers pouncing and splashing it across their front pages. (For the record, early editions of the Sun led with the tale of a mum and daughter porn video confession.)
2. The Daily Express and Diana – after trashing the Lord Stevens report and pledging to doggedly pursue the truth behind the late princess's death, the paper seems to have gone strangely quiet on the story. Monday was traditionally Diana front cover day, but it's been a few weeks since she was pictured there. Has Paper Monitor missed something? News of sightings will be gratefully received.
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