When the News of the World closed last July there were fears it would hit the two companies that distribute the nations papers, Smiths News and John Menzies. But in fact people switched to other titles and the rate of steady decline in print was unaffected.
Christopher Bamberry, analyst with broker Peel Hunt, said far more important for the distribution market is recent cover price inflation to fight off falling circulation numbers. This has allowed a manageable decline and healthy dividends for our income tip of the year Smith News, shares are up 21 per cent so far this year.
