A New Paper for Americans Abroad

A new weekly newspaper aimed at Americans abroad began publishing last month with 50,000 copies on sale at newsstands in 44 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The paper, called the American, is a 40-page tabloid that appears on Sundays. It sells for an average of $4 per copy and is intended for Americans who live or travel abroad. In addition to a lively mix of news and features--including a collection of lightweight news bites called “Sleaze Please”--it promises readers “the biggest sports section outside the U.S.,” including game and box scores. The American carries humor columnist Dave Barry, and uses stories, editorial cartoons and photography from 60 American newspapers and the Associated Press. One of its features, The American Concierge, is a four-page pullout listing entertainment and events for 38 European cities.

The American’s publisher is Hesh Kestin, former contributing editor of Forbes magazine, and its editor is Lew Serviss, ex-senior news editor of New York Newsday. The paper is edited in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., and is printed on Saturday evenings in London and Frankfurt.

It will compete with the weekend edition of the English-language International Herald Tribune, published in Paris, which sells for an average of $1.85 a copy, has a circulation of about 190,000 and is distributed in 180 countries.