Whilst everyone has their own ways of dealing with the Country’s current “Credit Crunch” the three main players in the News Industry face bigger problems, the main one being survival!
Publishers are bending over backwards offering money off vouchers to the consumer for regular sales of their newspaper in a time when daily sales are certainly on the decline. Publishers are still fighting each other at a cut throat rate, and the news that that News International has cut the Sun price to 20p Monday to Friday in the North of the country clearly says it all.
It was News International who caused a storm a few weeks back by withdrawing their contract with Dawson News, and newsagents were given 48 hours notice that they would be delivering their supplies direct. What was the reason for this sudden decision?
News International were concerned that Dawson’s had servere financial problems, which was not to difficult to understand why considering this wholesaler had recently suffered a major setback when a number of publishers gave their business to Smiths and Menzies. It must be also said that NI did offer Dawson’s nine areas, but the lost of other titles was causing immense concern.
Rumour has it that Dawson’s have debts running into millions of pounds, and its quite possible that one particular situation may break the camels back and this well known National tabloid Newspaper may be the first to go from the news stands.
Its been widely reported that the Independent is having a difficult time and it would be no surprise to the news industry if this title disappeared, its also been said the Express is struggling, but if the Dawson rumours are true then its highly possible the Daily Mirror may be beat them both to it!
The Mirror has been losing sales over the recent years but to lose this title would have a serious effect to everyone connected with the industry, which could have devastating effect to newsagents all over the country.