Fewer free papers close down

Piet Bakker , the indefatigable chronicler of free newspapers across the globe, believes that "the worst seems to be behind us" in terms of freesheet closures. Here's his evidence. In 2007, 30 titles (52 editions) closed down. In 2008, 33 free dailies closed (77 editions). In 2009, 42 titles (97 editions) were terminated. But, in the first eight months of this year, only three titles (four editions) have been closed. Source: Newspaper Innovation