Publishers In Crisis Talks With DTI

Following the latest crisis in paper supply, representatives from both the magazine and newspaper industry have met with members of the paper industry at a DTI-organised meeting in an attempt to find a long-term solution to paper price and supply instability.

The major concern was the security of future supplies; with a worldwide shortage of paper forecast for the next two years. The delegation spelled out to government officials the frustration of publishers forced to pay increases of 15 to 20% with threats from paper suppliers of similar increases to follow.

The increase in paper costs has already forced News International to put the price of the Sun back up to 23p. The recent shortage of paper, which has forced NI to decrease pagination and withdraw some sections temporarily was the principal cause of this weekend’s price wars among the tabloids.