After debate over the last few years over free and freely distributed metro newspapers and how they represented the future of the industry comes the news that the bubble might be bursting there too. Metro International, the world’s largest free-newspaper company, is considering closing or selling off its U.S. editions, starting with the loss-making New York edition, reports Times UK. Metro opened in Philadelphia in 2000, Boston in 2001 and New York in 2004.  In July, the Luxembourg-based company announced a net loss of about $3 million for Q208, compared with a net profit of $1.45 million in 2007. Spain and the US accounted for most of the losses.

Meanwhile, closure of other newspapers are becoming common, the latest examples are Nyhedsavisen in Denmark and two titles in Scotland, reports Roy Greenslade. This year has shown an all-time low in circulation growth for free dailies worldwide, according to data.

One major reason these papers are being hit, especially in Europe: adoption of hybrid distribution techniques by traditional newspapers: some are sold and some are given away, as the Manchester Evening News is doing, Roy points out. But even free newspapers are an interim medium for the news to be freely available online..that is the inevitable march anyway.