In a statement released today, the ERC indicated that it is monitoring information regarding the possibility that Vasp – Distribuição e Logística, S.A. may adjust the daily distribution of the press in eight inland districts of the country due to financial difficulties.

“The ERC is gathering additional information about the announcement made by Vasp and will act within its remit,” it added.

The regulator acknowledges the “strong dependency of media organizations on Vasp” and reiterates the need to ensure that the distributor’s dominant position is not exercised to the detriment of the sector.

The ERC also noted that some publisher groups of periodicals have expressed dissatisfaction with the media regulator due to distribution price increases by Vasp, prompting the ERC to initiate proceedings with the Competition Authority.

The management of Vasp announced on Thursday that it is evaluating the need to make adjustments in the daily newspaper distribution in the districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, and Bragança.

In a statement, Vasp states that it is currently experiencing a particularly challenging financial situation due to the continued decline in newspaper sales and significant operational cost increases, which place substantial pressure on the sustainability of the current daily press distribution coverage.

Vasp emphasizes that “no final decision has yet been made, and this evaluation is ongoing, aiming to find alternatives that minimize the impact on publishers, sales points, and populations.”

It expresses “total willingness to continue constructive dialogue with publishers, public entities, and other institutional partners” to find solutions that “maintain access to the press for the Portuguese population and avoid an unprecedented scenario in democracy.”