On October 30, 2023, representatives from the Singapore News Vendors’ Association (SNVA) and the Singapore Newspaper Distributors Association (SNDA) convened to discuss the mounting challenges faced by newspaper vendors due to rising operational costs and declining print subscriptions.

The associations reported that increased costs have significantly impacted their earnings, leading to stagnant wages for their employees, who earn between S$200 and S$700 monthly for approximately four hours of work each day. Additionally, competition for labor from delivery platforms like Grab and Foodpanda has further complicated their staffing issues.

During the meeting with Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh, who serves as an adviser to SNDA, the associations considered raising newspaper delivery fees as a potential solution to cover vendors’ rising operating costs. They plan to approach SPH Media to discuss this proposal.

SPH Media, which oversees the delivery of its newspapers and magazines through 390 vendors, compensates them based on the number of newspapers delivered and allows them to charge a delivery fee to subscribers. Monthly delivery fees vary from S$3 to S$5 depending on the subscriber’s residential type, and these fees are fully allocated to the newspaper vendors.

The delivery fees have only been adjusted twice since 1994, with the last increase occurring in 2013. Vendors expressed that declining print subscriptions have made it increasingly challenging to break even, as they must cover larger areas to maintain their delivery volumes and employ more workers.

Changing consumer habits following the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the shift towards digital platforms, compounding the difficulties faced by traditional print vendors. Rising inflation and operational costs have exacerbated the situation, with vendors reliant on vehicles for delivery feeling the pinch from high fuel prices and Certificate of Entitlement costs.

John Ho, a long-time vendor, highlighted how increased expenses, coupled with decreased delivery volumes, have put substantial pressure on their business model. The associations, representing approximately 350 vendors and 2,000 workers, hope that an increase in delivery fees will help mitigate their financial challenges. They plan to consult their members before discussing specifics with SPH Media.

Gan expressed optimism about the possibility of adjusting delivery fees in 2024, aiming to collaborate with the media company on this issue. In response to vendors’ concerns, SPH Media has implemented a monthly subsidy of S$3 for each doorstep delivery to direct subscribers since October 2022, acknowledging the value of their partnership with vendors while promising to consider their feedback.