NFRN gives mixed reaction to NI cover price rise

But the delight of NFRN independent newsagents has been dampened by news that despite a substantial increase in the price of the Sunday Times to £2.50, retailers will receive less than a penny extra as terms have been reduced from 23.5 per cent to 21 per cent.

From Monday (July 2), the cover price of the Sun in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will increase to 40p. As News International has confirmed that margins will be maintained at 23.2 per cent, retailers will now receive 9.28p per copy.

But while the price of the Sunday Times rises by 30p from Sunday July 8, retailers will get just 0.8p extra per copy, receiving 52.5p instead of 58.75p.

National President Alan Smith (pictured) said: “This is great news for Sun retailers as a price rise on the weekday edition is long overdue and we are pleased that News International is treating newsagents fairly in maintaining retail terms.”

But he added: “There is a dark cloud over the Sunday Times which has, in effect, robbed retailers of 2 per cent of their margin.  Making the situation even worse is the fact that many Sunday Times newsagents actively promote the title by providing a home news delivery service to News International’s most loyal readers. For such retailers the move is a real kick in the teeth.”