According to the NFRN: NFRN National President Kieran McDonnell, Chairman of Newstrade Operations Sam Whitesidel Chief Executive Paul Baxter and Trade Relations Manager David Daniel met with the Guardian’s Director of Production, Distribution and Sales Bob Steadman and the National Sales Manager, Print and Distribution Kai Muxlow on 7th October 2011 on an agenda covering a wide range of issues.
First amongst these was a discussion on the Guardian’s recent percentage terms reduction that, by both the action and the way it had been communicated, had enraged NFRN members and sparked an intense campaign to seek restoration. The Guardian confirmed that the NFRN’s campaign had “opened eyes” at a senior editorial level, which is hoped will deter further such action should similar circumstances arise in the future. However, whilst they were apologetic over the way that the change was communicated, economic issues had driven the action on terms.
Both sides agreed that whilst they would continue to disagree on that matter, it was agreed that this would not prevent future investment in NFRN retailers, though it was understood that the Guardian would have to work hard to regain members’ trust.
The meeting then continued on a more positive note with the Guardian expressing support for a number of the NFRN’s policy objectives.
NFRN Chief Executive Paul Baxter (pictured) said: “The terms dispute with the Guardian has been especially frustrating since the publisher has hitherto been a long-time supporter of the NFRN. It was the Guardian’s former Circulation Director that first brokered the present-day Third Party Advertising Payments Scheme. Moreover, with the Guardian’s sale being heavily biased towards the independent sector, the two companies are natural business partners.”
NFRN National President Kieran McDonnell said: “Whilst I understand that, in the light of economic reality, tough decisions sometimes have to be made, we have reminded the Guardian that our members are also suffering and the terms cut does not help.” He continued: “We have made the strongest case. The message has been clearly delivered and the Guardian has been shocked by the ferocity of our members’ feelings. But now we look forward to a promised positive reaction and future support.”
