/ 1 November 2005

First paperless internet daily launched in Czech Republic

The first Czech online daily without a paper edition, <i>Aktualne.cz</i>, was launched overnight on Monday, its publishers announced on Tuesday. Director of mainstream portal <i>Centrum.cz</i>, Ondrej Tomek, said the publication compiled by reputed journalists aimed to become the leader in the sector.

The first Czech online daily without a paper edition, Aktualne.cz, was launched overnight on Monday, its publishers announced on Tuesday.

Director of mainstream portal Centrum.cz, Ondrej Tomek, said the publication compiled by reputed journalists aimed to become the leader in the sector.

”The internet needs more than the offspring of written newspapers,” he said.

The founders believe the initial investment of 35-million korunas ($1,41-million) will be recouped within a year, with 90% of the magazine’s revenues coming

from advertising.

Aktualne.cz had potential considering about 3,6-million Czechs, one-third of the population, were regular internet users, said the English-language Czech Business Weekly.

As well, internet advertising in the country was expected to grow 30% to 500 million korunas next year, analysts said.

The magazine has made an impression with its recruits, including director Roman Gallo, who quit as editor-in-chief of the prestigious economic newspaper Hospodarske Noviny.

He brought with him a number of journalists such as investigative reporter Sabina Slonkova. – Sapa-AFP