I was concerned to hear from a newsagent who felt threatened by a publisher when they advised that they wanted to hand their newspaper home delivery run back.
While they were out of contract and faced no legal impediment to their move, it was made clear to them that there would be a challenge in their shop getting newspapers for retail sale.
It is not the first time I have heard of bullying like this and I doubt it will be the last.
I approached a publisher on behalf of a newsagent in this situation a couple of years and they denied knowledge of any threats. I can understand that … some publishing businesses are good at getting representatives to behave a certain way without it being documented company policy.
The thing is, newsagents are being threatened. My advice to newsagents is to make a note of who made the threat, when and what exactly they said. If you build up several instances over time, consider what action you could take. There are several forums through which newsagents could pursue any such threat.
Newsagents need to not put up with threats and intimidation. If you want to quit your newspaper home delivery run because it is uneconomic then do so.
Similar to how the banks operate – anyone watch Four Corners the other night?
I’m not surprised by this at all. When it’s all done and dusted, the formal acknowledgement from the circulation manager is pretty curt and unfriendly as it is.
They point out very clearly how we’re not allowed to have direct supply (no sh#t, Sherlock – you’re just miffed that we got to tell you to rack off first), not allowed this, or that etc etc. They behave like adolescent jilted lovers 😛
And that’s from a transition that went well – we were fortunate enough to have someone to take our run over.
I can imagine how nasty they’d get if they had to do their own dirty work on top of being told you don’t love them anymore.
All ego, no professionalism. Typical, really. Hardly acceptable, but par for the course, unfortunately.
One of my staff members is an ex newsagent who, when they owned a large store several years ago, decided to hand back the run as it wasn’t money making. One particular publisher got pretty nasty apparently until her husband pointed out he was prepared to go down the legal route if they stopped or prevented supplying them for their store. Surprise ! They kept their supply without the run .
Paul,
If there is one thing the two big publishers fear more than newsagents handing back runs, its legal precedents being set.
HI Mark,
What is the best avenue or direction to take having experienced similar threats to what you have described above. Is there a particular governing body to approach?
I feel such behaviour is only going to get worse in the next few months.
Amanda, If a threat like this was made against me I would:
Document it. Date. Time. Who said what and to whom. Ideally it would be recorded.
I’d seek legal advice as the threat could be reportable to the police.
I’d also talk to the ACCC.
Depending on the state my business was I I might report it to the Small Business Commissioner.
The course of action all comes down to the specifics of the threat and the evidence you have.
Thankyou Mark
Mark
With the News situation with the T2020 News want me to hand to them any subcribers i have for them to manage and pay me compensation for each one i hand over. Why would i do that.
I dont believe i will be affected by the 2020 but what if i decide i do not wish to do home deliveries for News but keep doing Fairfax deliveries plus local papers.
If someone was to approach me for say a delivery of a News product or i put up a sign that i can do home deliveries on News products on my terms what can News do. Are we not deregulated and teritories mean nothing?
thats the part of the T2020 i dont agree with, handing over my customers to news. if there is a balls up i know the customer will be into see me, and me saying ring news just wont wash