Plan emerges to re-launch News of the World

A plan is underway to re-launch the News of the World newspaper just one day after the title was closed by owner Rupert Murdoch.

According to reports in The Independent, Susan Douglas, a former editor of the Sunday Express and deputy editor of The Sunday Times, is at the centre of a consortium of media and business figures attempting to put a rescue package together.

“What we are talking about is saving the freedom of the press for ordinary people, who are not going to read the Financial Times, or even The Independent or The Guardian. I think it’s really important and worth doing,” she said.

Reports claim that Ms Douglas has already been involved in talks with leading media owners and venture capitalists. She urged that a rescue attempt would need to be made quickly before the opportunity to save the title is lost.

Part of Douglas’ plans would involve recruiting former News of the World staff – who have been invited to apply for roles within News International.

Speaking to Yahoo! News, William Spencer, former digital editor at the News of the World, said the move was fantastic.

“I would absolutely want to continue working on the News of the World publication, whether it’s part of News International or not. It’s a classic, iconic brand and it deserves to live on.

“From a personal point of view though I think it’s too soon. We need to know the truth about these allegations and let the dust settle, but if somebody turned round to me tomorrow and asked me if I wanted to still be digital editor and continue working for the title – and if the allegations were untrue - then absolutely.”

The consortium would have to convince Rupert Murdoch to sell the News of the World title or face a legal challenge but they argue that public support would play a part in rescuing the paper.