Gulf News, starting today, is a new experience in the world of the printed press, which is facing multiple challenges as the evolution of the digital media goes full throttle.
Competition between the traditional and digital press is cut-throat as both vie for audience – which has become increasingly globalised with open sources of information, news and analysis. Today, Gulf News comes to you in a new format – known as ‘Berliner’.*
With this move, the newspaper is again setting a trend in the region, where no other newspaper is published in this format. In recent years, several leading international newspapers have moved to Berliner as they realize that in order to stay on top in the media game, they must evolve also in format, design and, most importantly, in the content they offer their audiences.
It must be more interesting, valuable and easier to read. Certainly, our decision to go Berliner has not been dictated by the economic factors to cut the cost of printing as some might think. As we go smaller in format, we are actually adding more pages, offering readers more of the unique Gulf News content you are accustomed to. Our pages are no longer merely news pages – they are a destination for those interested in cultural, analytical, and fun content – compelling content for every member of our readership family.
There is politics, business, sports, the arts. And we are introducing special corners for health, education and technology – news and information that our readers will find useful and functional and a joy to read. In the next seven days, readers will notice that Gulf News is becoming the ultimate source of news, views, analysis and information in the most appealing package the industry can offer.
This package will be presented according to the highest international standards of design and navigation, fields in which Gulf News has always
been a pioneer. New sections are coming out during the next week in reader-friendly packages that include content that I personally believe offers great value for our readers’ money – for those who subscribe to the paper or buy it from newsstands.
Finally, what Gulf News is now offering you is being made possible by massive investments in plant and people. Our new printing press is waterless, environmentally friendly and the only one of its kind in the region. Our newsroom uses the most advanced content-gathering and publishing system. And our human resources – from journalists, editors and support staff – put the world into your hands every morning.
Those investments are being made available by our top management, which believes in the Gulf News message and appreciates the loyalty of our readers. It is you who have made Gulf News number one in the UAE and the region during the past year.
I thank the management for their unwavering support and also thank you, our readers, who are our great motivator to be on top always.
