‘Good News’ for commuters – Microsoft publishing own newspaper “Five to Nine”

In the UK, free newspapers amongst those you pay for are quite common. Usually found on public transport routes, it means commuters have something to read on their journey whilst the paper has a huge ad target audience. Today, capitalising on that “free” exposure, Microsoft Lumia are putting together a 5 day limited edition newspaper that aims to inspire and encourage folks to get out of the office and do creative things or other activities important to them.

There’ll be 10,000 copies spread over London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Here’s the press release:

Microsoft Lumia announces the launch of a limited edition commuter newspaper, The Five to Nine, with five daily issues to be published between 22 June and 26 June and distributed the following morning. The Five to Nine newspaper will inspire and encourage people to get out of the office and do what’s creatively and personally important to them.

Recent research suggests that as people work longer hours, they are not able to spend time doing things they are passionate about. Nearly half (46%) of UK employees spent the May bank holiday working, with nearly two thirds (60%) of those who did so going into the office – in spite of mobile technology which makes remote working easier. 58% of those who use smartphones for work confess that they don’t use them to their full potential, undermining their productivity.

As people work longer hours, they are not able to spend time doing the things they are passionate about outside of work. The Five to Nine newspaper demonstrates what can be achieved by using technology to work smarter and more efficiently.

Speaking at the launch of the newspaper, Jules Grudniewicz, Campaigns and Partnerships Manager for Microsoft Devices in UK & Ireland, says: “With time so often at a premium, Microsoft Lumia is committed to enabling people to get the most out of their days. Using the combined power of Microsoft devices, we will create a fresh new publication that will help commuters go to work with a smile on their faces, reinvigorated.”

Each edition of the newspaper is being curated in collaboration with the editorial teams from some of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking print and online publications, covering five themes. They are, Monday to Friday:

Culture: Protein

Music: Boiler Room

Fashion: Schon!

Design: Grafik

Sport: The Green Soccer Journal

Microsoft Lumia believe that when people are happy and inspired they work more efficiently, so whilst most newspapers lead with stories on crime, disasters and scandal, The Five to Nine newspaper will focus on positive, uplifting content.

In addition to commissioned content, the newspaper will crowd source “good news” stories, life hacks and musings from contributors across the UK via collaborator networks and social media. Budding creatives and members of the public can submit content using the hashtag #AchieveMore.

10,000 copies of The Five to Nine newspaper will be distributed the next morning at creative and commuter hubs in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Each day’s editorial team will also host a free workshop where members of the public can learn a new skill or listen to an industry professional at The Five to Nine workspace at Protein Studios in East London.

William Rowe, Founder and CEO of Protein, says, “With Microsoft Lumia, you have everything you need to write, take photos, create, design and manage at your fingertips. We’re incredibly excited about the challenge and can’t wait to see the results.”

Cheers Pavla for the tip!

Category: Lumia