Newspaper publishers frown on MESSAPRESSE' mode of operation

Newspaper publishers who bitterly complain about the conditions for the distribution of their products by Messagerie de presse (MESSAPRESSE), a French company which exclusively provides this service in Cameroon, are considering the creation of a new company to ensure the distribution of newspapers across the country.

Among other grievances raised against this distribution agency, is the concentration of the business activity mainly in the cities of Douala and Yaounde, "which is contrary to contractual terms which provide for the distribution of newspapers across the country".

According to the federation of newspaper publishers (EDIPRESSE), finding another means of distribution of newspapers, will go a long way to "escape the monopoly of MESSAPRESSE which focuses more than ever on the promotion of french newspapers and books", they said.

While the price of a tabloid newspaper costs 400 CFA francs, MESSAPRESSE retains at the source, 40 percent of the number sold, and reverse only 60 percent to media companies.

Contacted by APA, MESSAPRESSE officials say they have not had any meeting with newspaper editors and promise to give their version of the facts, when they are in possession of the report from the media owners.