The Newspaper Society has started talks with a number of unnamed national newspapers to expand the use of its AdF@st internet file delivery system.


Last June it launched the 1m system, which is provided free to agencies, to standardise digital file delivery between advertisers and regional newspaper producers (PrintWeek, 19 May 2000).


The Newspaper Society head of communications Lynne Anderson said: "Were talking to a number of national magazines and papers at the moment. But we cant just open it up to everyone because there was 1m of initial funding from our members, and their commitment is ongoing. So were looking at the funding structure.


"A lot of agencies have been saying to the nationals that theyve got to get on board. Of course its in the agencies interest because they get the benefits from AdF@st, and its free to them," said Anderson.


The Society has been praised in a joint DTI/Trade Association Forum report for the way that it has harnessed the internet. The report said: "Importantly, it has given the regional press a distinct competitive advantage. The system has saved cost and time for all involved, and has removed what many regarded as a logistical nightmare."


Since AdF@st went live, 10,000 artwork files have been transmitted via the system, and last month 3,000 were sent. Agencies working on behalf of Orange, BT, Tesco, Virgin and Sainsburys have used the system.


Anderson added that with money from the nationals, AdF@st would eventually be self-funding.


Story by John Davies