Municipalities to support newspaper sales in low-density areas

Municipalities across Portugal are set to help finance newspaper sales in low-density areas as part of a national effort to ensure residents continue to have access to printed press.

The measure was announced by the president of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP), Pedro Pimpão, who said local authorities had backed an agreement with the government’s media task force, Portugal Media Lab, to support newspaper retailers in smaller communities.

“We have always been on the side of finding a solution,” Pimpão said following a meeting of the ANMP’s executive board in Coimbra. “We did not want there to be any obstacle to ensuring that all our populations continue to be served by something that is very important for democracy in our country.”

Under the scheme, points of sale located in municipalities with up to 5,000 inhabitants will be eligible for support of €3,500, while those in municipalities with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 will be able to receive €2,500.

Municipal councils will also have the option of increasing the support by up to 20%.

The initiative forms part of the second pillar of the government’s national newspaper distribution plan, which focuses on maintaining retail outlets capable of selling newspapers in areas where demand and profitability have declined.

Municipalities will not only contribute financially but will also be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the measure and producing annual reports on how the supported outlets are operating.

Pimpão stressed that nationwide newspaper delivery ultimately depends on a separate national distribution contract, which forms the first pillar of the government’s strategy.

“We know there is a national tender for newspaper distribution, and that is what will guarantee delivery throughout the country,” he said. “What we believe is that where there are difficulties in maintaining points of sale, this complementary support will help small business owners in low-density territories.”

According to the ANMP president, the financial incentive could encourage local retailers who might otherwise have little interest in continuing to stock newspapers.

“I believe the conditions are now in place to guarantee newspaper distribution to the entire population, regardless of where people live,” he added.

Source: LUSA

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.