Cape Argus to go compact, Scoop! closes

Gasant Abarder, executive editor of the Cape Argus says, "After 155 years of bringing the news to Capetonians, we are positioning ourselves for the next 155 years." The newspaper's format will be reduced to compact size, by about half the size of the existing pages, and also add a morning edition. The new format is expected to launch on Friday, 9 March.

New format

"The beauty of this change is that we will be able to give readers so much more than they are getting now - without losing any of the things that make the Cape Argus Cape Town's best-loved newspaper. We will be bringing out our news-paper in a more reader-friendly format and will be able to offer readers the added bonus of an edition in the morning," says Abarder.

"The biggest change, though, will be to the format." add Abarder, "Our decision to go compact has been informed by international trends, research and a desire to make the Argus an even more pleasurable read.

The new format Cape Argus will be on the streets and available when readers wake up. The paper will then be updated with all the latest news for the afternoon edition (which will still be delivered to subscribers).

New elements

New elements inside the paper will include:

• An expanded features section, where local and international writing will be showcased
• More in-depth sports coverage and analysis
• Writing from leading opinion-makers
• Graphic treatment of news of the day
• An expanded and improved weather page
• New competitions and giveaways

Tony Howard, CEO of Argus publishers Independent News & Media South Africa, said the newspaper was continuing its pioneering tradition.

"The Cape Argus is one of the oldest newspapers in the country and has consistently led the way in terms of innovation and breaking news. We believe the fresh new format and addition of a morning edition will make the Argus even more appealing to readers and advertisers," said Howard.

End of the road for Scoop!

Following the competitive tabloid newspaper market, the English-language tabloid newspaper, Scoop! will be closing with immediate effect, announced Media 24.

Launched in October 2011 in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, under Peet Bothma as editor-in-chief, the newspaper was aimed at the English speaking market. The last edition was on Sunday 19 February and it will not be published again.

Commenting on the closure, Bothma said, "It is a sad day when a newspaper dies, because it means that a channel of information to the public is closed down."

The newspaper's staff were informed of the decision on 24 February 2012, by CEO of Media24 Newspapers, Fergus Sampson, underlining that Media24 will attempt to accommodate them in alternative positions.

"It's unfortunate that the paper did not succeed in gaining a foothold in the market." However, Sampson added that markets and people change continually. "We'll be alert to these developments at all times. And when an opportunity presents itself again, we'll certainly not recoil," Sampson concluded.