Newspapers, searching for alternative business models in the face of classifieds competition from the likes of Craigslist, are turning to New Times's free classified service, Backpage.com, MediaPost writes, (via MediaBuyerPlanner). The service allows papers to generate revenue from advertisers willing to pay for a better position and from web-to-print upsells.

Backpage.com's network will represent papers in some 50 U.S. markets by 2006, said New Times senior VP Scott Spear. Newspapers working with Backpage allow advertisers to place classifieds for free, but the advertiser can gain more prominent placement on the site or buy an ad in the print edition for a fee.

Recent additions to Backpage.com include the Columbus Dispatch, and Boston Weekly's Dig, owned by Boston magazine parent Metro Corp.

The upcoming merger of New Times Media and Village Voice Media's likely means that the Voice newspapers would adopt Backpage's platform.