Newspaper distribution falls in 2002

Traditional Christmas gifts given away by newspapers did not significantly help to increase sales of the press in December. According to Zwiazek Kontroli Dystrybucji Prasy (ZKDP) the nationwide sales of daily papers in 2002 was 8.2% lower than the previous year. The drop in sales was observed by all national papers, among which was the leading market trio: Gazeta Wyborcza, Super Express and Rzeczpospolita. The downturn was least painful for Rzeczpospolita, whose sales dropped by 5.4% in relation to 2001. A more severe slump was felt by Gazeta Wyborcza - 8.3% in comparison to 2001. However, the uncontested record-holder was the specialist Gazeta Gieldy Parkiet, whose paid distribution was 26% lower than the previous year. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1, B1) A.C.