The French current affairs and information site Rue89 will launch a monthly magazine in June 2010 called Revue89. Not only is the launch of a new magazine (circulation of 60-80,000) encouraging news for the print and paper industry, but the fact that Rue89 was founded in 2003 as an exclusively internet-based information provider is further proof that printed media is still an invaluable part of any company’s media mix.

The first 100-page issue will appear at news stands on 16 June and will cost less than €5 according to Pierre Haski, president and co-founder of Rue89. It will contain articles taken from the website to which specially written articles will be added.

According to Haski a magazine will increase their visibility at news stands, reaching an audience that is not necessarily the same as the website’s. In addition, the paper allows the insertion of photos and images, to transform the identity of an article. It also brings new life to existing articles. And financial considerations are also a compelling reason to launch a magazine. 4-6 pages of advertising in the Revue89 will provide additional revenue to the company.

For similar reasons, a satirical website called Bakchich.info has also relaunched its weekly newspaper. According to Managing editor Nicolas Beau this decision was prompted by the insufficient returns from website advertising. Other companies following this trend include information site MediaPart, established in 2008, which earlier this year launched a quarterly paper version of its site, sold at news stands for €2. And as if that were not enough, environmentalist website Terra Eco has also opted very quickly for this dual media formula, with a monthly magazine dedicated to sustainable development.

These initiatives and other examples of blogs that also appear in print, illustrate the fact that a sustainable business model for pure players has not yet been developed.