Image via WikipediaThe Sun Media group is launching online e-editions of 32 newspapers,that are going to be exact electronic copies of the papers.

The purpose of this is, according to Steve Angelevski at Sun Media, is to provide “a great service for readers when they are travelling, spending time at a cottage or otherwise unable to get the print edition”, as well as providing new avenue for advertisers.

What is less clear is whether there is an audience for this type of product that tries to recreate the print experience in a digital format.

Rather than trying to replicate paper with an electronic product, Sun Media should be looking at how to use digital technologies to to offer new experiences in consuming news.

As others have pointed out, newspapers need to move beyond “imitating a dead format that most people find awkward and inconvenient”.

In any case, will people be willing to pay?  The e-editions will be free to existing subscribers, so perhaps this move by Sun Media is more about shoring up existing readers, than reaching out to new audiences.