News International to close London paper

LONDON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- News International in London said Thursday it would cease publication of its free Londonpaper to cut operating expenses.

"The strategy at News International over the past 18 months has been to streamline our operations and focus investment on our core titles," said James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who heads European and Asian operations for News International.

"We have taken a tough decision that reflects our priorities as a business," he said.

The company said Londonpaper lost $21.2 million in 2008. The paper employed 60 editorial staffers.