WORLD PRESS TRENDS - World Association of Newspapers

UK
Research
Circulation is audited by: ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation) and
VFD (Verified Free Distribution)
Readership is measured by: NRS (National Readership Survey)
Methodology: JICREG, Joint Industry Committee for Regional
Press Research – combines researched and modelled data to
produce readership data at postcode sector level for most
regional and local newspapers.
Taxes
VAT on: sales 0 advertising 17.5%
newsprint 17.5% plant 17.5%
composition 17.5%
(standard VAT rate 17.5%)
Newspaper profits are taxed at the standard corporation rate:
10% for first £10,000 then 20% for small companies and 30% for
large (profits > £1.5 million).
Subsidies
Are there subsidies for the purchase of newsprint No
Are loans granted at low interest rates for re-equipping or improving
existing equipment No, but plant may be depreciated at the
usual straight-line rate of 25% a year.
Discounts
on: post 0 rail 0 telephone 0 telegraph 0 telex 0
Ownership
Does any law exist governing publishing-house ownership, or the
registration of shares in newspaper-publishing companies Yes
Is there any law prohibiting or restricting foreign companies or
individuals from owning shares, and in particular, the majority of
shares, of domestic daily newspapers No
Is there any law prohibiting daily newspaper or periodical publishers
from operating radio or television stations in the same locality There
are restrictions (see chart), but no blanket prohibition.
So as to guarantee disclosure and transparency in the capital structure
and to avert silent partnerships, is there a law or rule making it possible
to determine who actually owns a publishing company The
Broadcasting Act 1996 and the general provisions of UK
company law concerning the registration of non-corporate
publishers both require individuals to be named.
Is there an antitrust law limiting concentration in the daily press
Yes, see relevant chart.
Is further regulation of media concentration expected The
government published a draft Communications Bill for further
consultation in May 2002 and is currently progressing through
Parliament. When in force, this Bill will significantly relax
ownership restrictions, allowing non-EU companies to buy
British TV and radio stations, and allowing newspaper groups
with up to 20% of national circulation to own ITV licenses. The
actual Communications Act is expected in autumn 2003.
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WORLD ASSOCIATION OF NEWSPAPERS - WORLD PRESS TRENDS 2003