Mirror acts positively on NFRN concerns

In a trade notice, the publisher advised that from Monday (February 1), weekday editions of the newspaper would rise by 5p. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the new price will be 90p, with retailers earning 18p per copy sold. In Scotland, the new cover price will increase to 95p, with stockists getting 19p for each copy they sell.

This welcome move comes just three weeks after Reach increased cover prices on its Daily Express, Daily Star and Saturday editions of the Daily Mirror but cut the terms that retailers receive to 20 per cent.

It also follows a meeting between the NFRN and senior Reach executives to discuss members’ dismay at the terms reduction, says the NFRN.

National President Stuart Reddish said: “Earlier this month, we had a very constructive, high level meeting with Reach when we made clear our members’ dismay and anger at the adjustment to their profits. We also put forward the NFRN’s expectation for pro rata terms whenever newspaper cover prices rise.

“We are pleased that as well as listening carefully to our concerns, that the Reach executives have clearly taken on board our arguments and have responded so positively by applying pro-rata terms to its latest price increases. Now, more than ever, independent retailers are facing ever increasing operating costs and to remain viable, we need the publishers support.”

In a letter to the trade advising of the price increases, the Mirror newspaper sales team said: “At this challenging time for the trade, can we pass on our thanks to retail colleagues for all the support that you give our titles, day in, day out.”