New PDF chair pledges to protect retailers’ needs

Fed stalwart Peter Wagg has been appointed as the 2024 chair of the Press Distribution Forum, the body responsible for regulating and monitoring the news supply chain.

Peter has been a leading light in the publishing industry for over 30 years and has served on numerous industry regulatory bodies, including the Joint Industry Group, which he chaired between 2002 and 2003, the Focus on Distribution Initiative (FODI) and the Industry Standard Service Agreement (ISSA). In 2004-2005, he was the Fed’s National President, and he is currently an Executive Councillor and sits on the communications and news committees.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Wagg vowed to raise awareness of the Press Distribution Charter, which sets out the minimum standards of service that wholesalers should provide and provides a clear complaints process when service levels fall.

“News retailers deserve a high level of service from the supply chain, but they also need to know where they can go when things go wrong,” he said.

“As PDF chair, I will ensure that adherence to the charter is constantly monitored and that there is clear consultation before any changes are made. I will vigorously defend the  principles of the charter and seek improvement wherever possible. Thirdly, I will encourage all my colleagues on the PDF to always consider the adverse impact their decision making may have on retailers.”

The chair rotates between PDF member associations. It is the first time that a retailer has chaired the group, with Mr Wagg taking over on January 11, 2024, from Simon Gage, of Smiths News.

Congratulating Mr Wagg on his appointment, the Fed’s National President Muntazir Dipoti said: “The Fed has played a key role in representing members at the PDF since 2019 and ensuring the category’s future.

“Peter is well respected within the industry and has an excellent record of defending and promoting the interests of news retailers within the news supply chain. It is therefore very fitting that he will be the first retail chair of the PDF and I wish him the best.”