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Newspaper logos of the DuMont Group (archive image)
Photo: Oliver Berg / dpa
The paper shortage on the European market is now also affecting the newspaper industry. The media group DuMont is apparently planning to reduce the volume of printed newspaper editions: "The worldwide shortage of raw materials and the associated shortage of paper is not leaving the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger Medien unaffected," the news agency dpa quotes a publisher's spokeswoman. In the short term one is forced to "meet this challenge with manageable changes in the leaf structure."
It could also happen that, for example, local and sub-local reporting, which had previously appeared in two separate parts, will be merged into one.
In addition to the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger", the "Kölnische Rundschau" is also affected.
The tabloid "Express", which also belongs to the media company, is also feeling the consequences: "With the printed Express, we may slightly reduce the size of the newspaper at short notice," said the spokeswoman.
The newspapers informed their readers about the paper shortage in their editions on Thursday.
At the same time, the media company made it clear that comprehensive reporting on the digital platforms of the newspaper titles would continue to be guaranteed.
The paper shortage is currently preoccupying the entire book and press industry in Germany.
Magazine publishers see a risk of paper shortages for magazines in 2022.
The managing director of the Association of German Magazine Publishers (VDZ), Stephan Scherzer, recently told the dpa: “In addition to the unforeseeable price increase, there is a risk that there will not be enough paper in 2022.
The paper industry must now prove to be a reliable partner who does not turn the price screw too high and guarantees the security of supply with graphic paper.
There is still no telling whether the situation will ease in the course of 2022. "
The Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV) also recently pointed out that there is “considerable pressure on prices” for press papers where recovered paper is used.
Demand exceeds the amount of paper produced.
Not all buyers received the agreed quantities or surcharges would be charged.
mic / dpa
