Die Burger’s Eastern Cape edition will now only be published in print format on Fridays, according to Media24. On the remaining weekdays, the full edition will be available as e-publications on Netwerk24.
According to Esmaré Weideman, Media24 CEO, it’s no longer sustainable to publish Die Burger with its relatively low circulation in its current paper format and to distribute it across the larger region. Die Burger in the Western Cape is financially sound and not affected by the change in frequency at its sister paper.
Weideman says that there are no plans to stop publishing Die Burger in the Eastern Cape. “Our connection with the region goes back eight decades to 1937 and we are determined to continue our presence — also in the interest of retaining high-quality Afrikaans journalism to the benefit of the province.”
The content in the Friday edition will have a stronger regional focus than is currently the case, says Willem Jordaan, Die Burger editor. From 22 June 2018, the Friday print edition will include a new supplement, Naweek.
Three staff members were added to the Eastern Cape team – this includes appointing Zigi Ekron, former head of digital at Lifestyle’s travel magazine portfolio, as news editor – ensuring that there’s a stronger regional focus and broader coverage than is currently the case.
Current subscribers to the print Saturday edition and full access to Netwerk24 will receive their printed newspaper (with the supplement) on Fridays from 20 July. Subscribers will have access to digital copies of Die Burger Oos weekday editions.
