In a surprise move, MEN Media will from today decline to publish all health club, escort and personal services ads in its main regional daily titles: the MEN, the Reading Evening Post, the Surrey Advertiser and all associated titles.
The decision is in response to both public and governmental/legal concerns over the relationship that some of these advertisers have to criminal activities and the media company has decided that it, too, does not wish to be seen as profiting from the proceeds of crime.
At a time when revenues on regional newspapers in particular are under pressure, this move is surprising even allowing for pressure the papers may be under as the ensuing loss is likely to be a substantial seven figure sum.
The Guardian Media Group, owners of MEN Media, was one of the companies recently singled out that might be in breach of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in an article in the publishing industry’s trade title UK Press Gazette. There were references to “Babes”, “Stunnas” and…”discreet entrances.”
Rix
MEN Media managing director Mark Rix said: “We have been in contact with the police, trade bodies and a number of readers about their concerns over the nature and changes within the personal services advertisement section.
“Following on from these discussions, the editors and I decided that it would be in the best interests of our readers if we were to decline such advertising in the future. All of our customers in these categories have been notified about the changes.”
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