Paper monopolies

Issue 

There are only two major newsprint companies in Australia. They are owned by the major newspaper producers.

The practice of buying up all the industries that supply your own is called "vertical integration" in business circles. That's a nice way to say monopoly.

Despite Green Left's political stance, we are unable to escape the grip of these monopolies — monopolies that mean that the price of newsprint and other paper is kept artificially high. Recycled newsprint prices are even higher — too expensive for us to use.

With the new year, Green Left has been slugged with a price rise from our printer, caused by increased paper costs. From our first issue in 1995, we are paying an extra 8% for our printing.

Eight per cent may not sound like much. But when you total it up for a year, it comes to a few thousand dollars extra that Green Left must find to pay its bills and stay afloat.

Green Left is committed to providing the progressive alternative every week at a price anyone can afford. For this reason, we are very reluctant to increase our cover price (which has been $1.50 since Green Left was established over years ago). We would like to find another way to cover costs.

In the interest of keeping costs low, Green Left appeals to our friends for help. In 1994 we raised $100,000 above sales with the help of supporters of the project. This year we call on your help again. Buy a subscription, buy a share or make a donation. Every contribution will have an impact. Green Left Weekly — it's your newspaper. n

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