AID expressed surprise in a statement regarding the news of Vasp’s need to evaluate the daily distribution of newspapers in the districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, and Bragança.
“We will request the Government, the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions, and the Municipal Associations to collaborate on a solution that does not prevent the interior of the country from receiving their newspapers daily,” said AID President Paulo J. Piçarra in the statement.
On Thursday, Vasp’s administration announced that it is assessing the need for adjustments in the daily distribution of newspapers in the specified districts.
In its statement, Vasp noted that it is facing a particularly challenging financial situation due to the continued decline in press sales and a significant increase in operational costs, putting intense pressure on the sustainability of the current daily press distribution coverage.
Vasp emphasized that no final decision has been made yet, and the evaluation is ongoing to find alternatives to minimize the impact on publishers, points of sale, and populations.
The company expressed its complete openness to continue constructive dialogue with publishers, public entities, and other institutional partners to find solutions that preserve access to the press for the Portuguese population and avoid an unprecedented scenario in democracy.
Established in 1976, AID represents the seven regional daily newspapers that cover the entire national territory.
