Nordkurier Group shifts newspapers to evening delivery amid rising costs
The Nordkurier Media Group is changing how it delivers its printed newspapers. From now on, titles like the Nordkurier, Schweriner Volkszeitung, Schwäbische Zeitung and Zollern-Alb-Kurier will arrive in the evening instead of the morning. The shift follows rising costs and falling circulation numbers that have made early deliveries unsustainable. The group has decided to stop morning deliveries after years of financial pressure. Higher minimum wages and fewer readers have pushed up expenses, forcing a rethink. By the end of 2024, the full transition to evening distribution will be complete.
Rather than relying on traditional methods, the company is building its own logistics network. This will bundle newspaper deliveries with other products, cutting costs and improving efficiency. Tests in pilot areas have already shown promising results. The print editions will now appear from Tuesday to Sunday, instead of the previous Monday-to-Saturday schedule. However, the digital version will still be updated daily. Retail giant Hermes has already signed up as a customer for the new service, signalling confidence in the approach. Industry observers note that publishers failing to adapt could face tougher choices. Some may eventually have to abandon printed newspapers altogether, leaving only digital versions for their regions.
The move aims to secure the future of the groupâs print titles while adapting to economic challenges. Evening deliveries will reduce costs, and the new logistics system could set a model for others. For now, readers will still receive physical newspapersâjust later in the day.
