Local periodicals distribution system
A local periodicals distribution system is a largely publicly-funded local organization charged with serving as the common carrier that physically circulates printed newspapers, magazines, and other printed periodicals to subscribers within a defined local geographic area. These local distribution syndicates are public entities that operate independent from any newspaper or publication and the deliver these publications agnostic of who the publisher might be. These distribution systems retrieve a supply of newspapers or periodicals from the printer and hand-deliver the printed material directly to homes and businesses oftentimes multiple times per day.
Local periodicals distribution systems receive a large majority of their funding from the Department of Public Service Media Investment (DPSMI). The source of this subsidy is the Periodicals Circulation License, which all subscribers receiving delivery of a newspaper or other periodical by way of a local periodicals distribution system must pay on an annual basis. The Periodicals Circulation License tax is collected by the Department of Public Service Media Revenue (DPSMR).
Early in the history of Illuminatian printed media, local newspapers found it prudent to form distribution syndicates in association with fellow local and regional periodicals in order to make the costly circulation of their printed material more efficient and economical. These distribution syndicates were established as independent organizations that made deliveries on behalf of all newspapers that funded the operation of the local distribution syndicate in question. These newspaper delivery outfits became appreciated in a way akin to a public utility. After the successful initiation of a Receiver License tax to fund public service broadcasting, the DPSMR and DPSMI established a public funding mechanism for local periodicals distribution systems that propped-up these syndicates so that they would no longer need to suffer from unreliable and insufficient locally-sourced and locally-controlled funding.
Local periodicals distribution systems provide a uniform geographical footprint for delivery service and a uniform level of service, including punctuality, for all periodicals that the system circulates. Regardless of where a potential reader resides within the local service area of a local periodicals distribution system, that person has access to delivery of any newspaper, magazine, or other periodical that the local system delivers, whether it be a daily, biweekly, weekly, biannual, or annual publication. These selections for delivery can include regional and out-of-market publications, provided the newspaper or magazine in question has established a supply chain to source the printed material to the local distribution system and has inked an agreement that typically involves a modest fee paid by the publication to the local distribution system.
Local periodicals distribution systems are known for their robust distribution apparatus, employing local human talent to deliver printed publications to every address in a timely manner, irrespective of local atmospheric conditions.
Local periodicals distribution systems also commonly collect expended newsprint material from subscribers, simplifying access to recycling services for newsprint material, which is entirely recyclable and biodegradable. The distribution systems can then engage in a recycling operation or augment revenue by providing material to newsprint recyclers. An increasing number of distribution systems also provide a Papershrub collection service, which allows residents to harvest their Papershrubs and submit the material for retrieval, in return for a modest reimbursement. The Papershrub material can then be used as raw material for manufacture of any number of paper and fibre products.
The existence of local periodicals distribution systems allows newspapers and other publications to focus their efforts on editorial content without the burden of concerning themselves with the operational technicalities of circulation. The distribution systems often have a strong relationship with local and regional printers, allowing efficient operation.