Posten Norge plans to increase newspaper distribution prices by 75% by 2006

The Norwegian postal services company Posten Norge plans to increase the fees for newspaper distribution by up to 75% by 2006.

According to Helge Simonnes of Mediebedriftenes Landsforening (the Norwegian media businesses’ association) the price rise could have dramatic effects on many regional newspapers.

Simonnes said that the association was in talks with Posten Norge regarding its plans to increase prices, but that the association also wanted to see a political process take place.

According to Posten Norge’s figures the distribution business has increased its annual loss from NOK30m in 1999 to NOK200m in 2003.