Sibby is noting a KSFY story exposing the Argus Leader's attempt to undermine competitive publications:
The Argus Leader newspaper says it's good business for everyone in print, but some independent publications think they're getting squeezed out. A division of the Argus Leader says they have contracts for distributing free magazines in those racks you've probably seen around town. But the independents say they'll have to pay to use those racks at certain businesses, and they say that's not fair. Under a number of recent agreements there would be only one rack at several stores with the Argus Leader basically acting as a landlord by collecting fees.
The magazines are all over town, and they're free. Publications like Prime, Renter's Guide, the Shopping News and others. 16 independent publications in all are displayed at different businesses. But some say what the Argus Leader is trying to do to these smaller publishers could have huge consequences.
"It may literally bankrupt some publications. Some may survive, but it's doubtful," says Dan Siefken. He runs Vortex Publishing which prints the Renter's Guide, a small free publication. Siefken is part of a group of 14 publishers who've banded together and some are considering a lawsuit because Siefken says if the Argus Leader had its way, he and others would be out of business.
This, from a newspaper constantly preaching about "openness," "accountability," and the "public's need to know."
Recent Comments