Johnston Press, Trinity Mirror extend print contract

Johnston Press — the embattled owner of The Scotsman, the i newspaper and about 200 local newspapers and websites — jointly announced with Trinity Mirror an extension of the existing print and distribution contract for the i newspaper at the Trinity Mirror print sites.

Johnston Press said the new agreement contains improved terms for printing the i newspaper, including operational benefits and improved commercial terms.

Johnston Press added: “The print contract for the Trinity Regional titles (formerly Local World) that currently print at Johnston Press print sites at Portsmouth and Sheffield will be extended for a further three years to 2020.

“Equally, the print contract at Johnston Press titles, the Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday, that currently print at Trinity Mirror’s Cardonald site in Scotland will be extended for the same three-year period. 

“The new three-year contract runs from January 2018 to December 2020.”

Johnston Press CEO Ashley Highfield said: “It is important, in this current media climate, to look for ways to work together to stabilise and strengthen relationships in the UK newspaper market.

“We are therefore delighted to confirm that we will be working with Trinity Mirror for a further three years, in a mutually supportive printing arrangement. 

“The operational benefits are important and will be particularly helpful as we look to develop the Saturday issue of the i newspaper.”

Trinity Mirror CEO Simon Fox said: “I am delighted with the extension of the print contracts with Johnston Press, in particular the i, which we have printed since it was launched in 2010.”