• August 1, 2003

Newspaper and magazine organizations were quick to react to the just-released President's Commission on the United States Postal Service report. Newspaper Association of America president and chief executive officer John Sturm said the following in a press release: "Like all Americans, the newspaper industry, which spends more than $700 million a year on postage, has a vested interest in a healthy, vibrant and well-run postal service... With its report, the postal commission has taken the first step in restoring public confidence in the postal system. While we may not agree with all the recommendations, we stand ready to work closely with Congress and USPS to improve the country's postal system. We are encouraged that the process is moving forward." Similarly, Magazine Publishers of America president Nina Link issued the following statement: "While the comprehensive document warrants more careful analysis, it's clear, upon first reading, that many of the Commission's major recommendations are ones that have been strongly advocated by MPA throughout the past several months - including the maintenance of the postal system as a fundamental service for all Americans; the emphasis on cost controls; efficient management of resources; and modernization of pricing for products and services. We are especially gratified that the Commission has specifically endorsed MPA's call for continuation of the historic preference given to magazines and newspapers in the nation's postal law."