The newsagency channel is represented by a two tiered structure with local issues handled by the State Associations and ANF Branches and national issues managed by the ANF.
This structure is designed to represent the industry in the most effective manner, presenting a strong, unified voice whilst remaining close to the ground to assist members.
Newsagents contact their state association or state ANF manager for day-to-day and stated-based issues. Issues with national impact are escalated to the ANF where States and ANF work together to resolve an industry wide or national solution.
This is exemplified by the negotiations with News Limited and Fairfax Media on new distribution models where all parties are involved and the ANF co-ordinates an overall strategy to establish industry-wide solutions and consistency. State Associations then handle issues peculiar to their states.
In situations such as late papers or natural disasters such as we have seen this year, the state associations are close to the ground and can provide efficient assistance.
Industry suppliers can liaise with the ANF when looking for an industry-wide solution.
At the top of the industry structure are the member newsagents. Newsagents drive the direction of their membership bodies and if involved can increase the effectiveness of their representation. The ANF liaises with suppliers and government, presents industry submissions to the ACCC as required and works with State Associations on industry-wide solutions. Strategy meetings gather opinions and ideas from all states to find the best solutions for newsagents across the county.
