Greenspuns, Ralston begin daily e-mail news service

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 11:33 a.m.

Flash, a Nevada e-mail news update service, was launched today by the Greenspun Media Group and political columnist Jon Ralston.

Flash includes a daily update by Ralston of his newsletter, the Ralston Report, as well as the latest top Nevada news and business stories from the Las Vegas Sun.

Bryan Allison, general manager of the GMG's Internet website vegas.com, said the Flash news update will initially be e-mailed to several hundred people who are Ralston Report subscribers and prospects.

Allison envisions the Flash service growing to serve a few thousand subscribers.

"I think it could get quite large," Allison said. "It's going to be an exciting new way for people around the state to see Ralston's work and the strong news and business stories in the Sun."

Ralston sold his newsletter to the GMG at the end of 1999 and started writing columns for the Las Vegas Sun this year. The twice-monthly newsletter was relaunched last month under the banner of the GMG, which like the Sun is owned by the Greenspun family.

The Ralston Report is highly respected by political and business leaders.

"The Ralston Report allows our publishing group to reach a market segment of movers and shakers. Hiring top-notch people like Jon fits the profile for all our businesses," said GMG President Danny Greenspun.

Allison said the print version of the Ralston report costs $500 per year. The Flash e-mail service costs $240 annually. Customers buying both receive a discount, with the package selling for $620.

vegas.com established a website, ralston.vegas.com, that has samples and more information on the Ralston and Flash products.