Routes to Market

Why is it important?

Publishers harness a variety of distribution methods to ensure their content reaches their audiences, whether in print or digital, paid or free, home delivery or casual sale. Newspapers, magazines and wholesalers are members of the Press Distribution Forum which works to maintain high service standards across the supply chain in order to protect consumers’ access to newspapers and magazines.

Current situation

Since its inception in 2010, the PDF has worked to improve the efficiency and transparency of the newspaper and magazine supply chain, including an independently chaired review of the Press Distribution Charter. The Press Distribution Forum has developed the Press Distribution Charter as its promise of good service. It sets out the standards retailers can expect from publishers and wholesalers, and helps them find solutions if things go wrong. Retail associations were encouraged to participate in the process to ensure the supply chain can continue to be improved for all stakeholders.

The purpose of the PDF is to provide a self regulated forum for associations and companies involved in the supply and distribution of newspapers and magazines and to ensure the continuation of a diverse and plural press with its widespread availability to retailers and consumers.

Retail associations were encouraged to participate in the process to ensure the supply chain can continue to be improved for all stakeholders.

What is the NMA doing about it?

The NMA works to safeguard the efficient distribution networks required for a 24-hour news operation. Press distribution arrangements have been subject to competition reviews over the years but the Office of Fair Trading confirmed in March 2012 that no further review of distribution arrangements in the newspaper and magazine industry was necessary and this decision was upheld by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in October 2012.