Johnson Press has announced it is cutting the retail margin on 24 of its Scottish local titles.
The changes commence on Monday 26 June when the cover prices of the affected titles simultaneously rise by between 10p and 15p.
NFRN National President Linda Sood said she was “absolutely livid” at the move and that Johnson Press had shown “complete contempt” for independent retailers.
“This move is a travesty,” added Sood, “made even worse by the fact that there has been no prior consultation.”
Retailers were notified of the move by letter today (Friday 23 June). The NFRN has called on Johnson Press to postpone any changes for at least six weeks, in line with the usual notice period for any change to terms and conditions of supply.
NFRN Head of News Brian Murphy said he had summoned Johnston Press’ Group Publishing Director Richard Thomson to the NFRN’s head office in London to explain the publisher’s action.
Demanding “urgent answers” from Thomson, Murphy said the move was “misguided, unprecedented and downright disgraceful”.
The following titles all rise by 10p: Cumbernauld News (12% margin), Kilsyth Chronicle (12%), Deeside Piper (12.5%), Midlothian Advertiser (12.5%), Galloway Gazette (12.5%), Ellon Times (12.25%), Inverurie Herald (12.25%), Mearns Leader (12%), Arbroath Herald (12.5%), Broughty Ferry Guide and Gazette (12.5%), Glenrothes Gazette (12.5%), Buchan Observer (12.25%), Fraserburgh Herald (12.25%), Selkirk Weekend Advertiser (12.5%), Brechin Advertiser (13%), Montrose Review (13%), Forfar Despatch (13%), Kirriemuir Herald (13%), The Buteman (12.5%), Carrick Gazette (12.5%), Milngavie & Bearsden Herald (12%), Kirkintilloch Herald (12%), Bishopbriggs Herald (12%).
The Berwickshire News (12%) sees a 15p increase in cover price.
