LONDON, December 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- London's 1000 most influential movers and shakers were recently announced by the Evening Standard.

More than 180 years as a paid-for newspaper will end as the London Evening Standard positions itself as a free newspaper, its new Russian owner said. Alexander Lebedev, who purchased 75.1 percent of the Evening Standard in January, said, the London Evening Standard is the first leading quality newspaper to go free and I am sure others will follow. The move will subtract about $10 million in annual revenues from the newspaper, but also subtract millions in circulation and distribution costs, the Guardian reported Friday. The newspaper plans to increase circulation from 250,000 to 600,000, which puts the newspaper's advertising structure in a new category. The newspaper plans to go free starting Oct.

The Daily Mail & General Trust said the sale of the Evening Standard, one of Britain's leading newspapers to a former KGB officer, would save the publication. Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev, once a lieutenant colonel with the Soviet KGB, is set to purchase controlling interest the Evening Standard,

Branson soothed Intriguing to see Sir Richard Branson - so often mocked by the 'Daily Mail' - given a two-page spread to plug his book.

I understand you are considering changing the Manawatu Standard paper deliveries by paper boys and girls to adults using scooters. I am really disappointed to hear this, but even more incredulous is the reason given as to why: health and safety.