Thanks to supply changes reportedly implemented by the Herald & Weekly Times, the Herald Sun is harder for South Australian newsagents to now obtain for sale in their shops.
Some newsagents who have carried the Herald Sun in-store for many years are no longer able to source product. This is seeing customers wanting the title having to find another newsagent. The knock-on cost in lost sales could be considerable to newsagents.
I am told that the folks at the Adelaide Advertiser (part of News) blame the Herald & Weekly Times (part of News) for the change.
News Limited needs to respond with care to situations like this as it realigns the distribution of its products. Shoppers wanting an interstate or overseas newspaper are prepared to pay a premium.
Is this going to be a common theme throughout the country with the introduction of the T2020?
I think we will see more publisher moves cutting loss-making activity. The challenge is that the traditional newsagent supply model does not give us the same levers.