The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association adopted a four-point resolution on Wednesday calling for the retail price system for newspapers to be maintained.
The resolution comes just before the Fair Trade Commission's subcommittee on deregulation is expected to come up with a proposal for the retail price system to be abolished in an attempt to promote fair competition among newspapers.
Many consumers criticize some canvassers' methods of boosting newspaper sales, including their offer of premiums to attract customers, according to JNPEA officials. At a board of directors meeting on Wednesday, the JNPEA, which is made up of major newspaper companies across the country, decided to take drastic action within one year. It also plans to review professional sales teams and the door-to-door method of newspaper sales, the resolution said.
Regarding giveaways, the JNPEA is now working with the FTC, the antimonopoly watchdog, to draw up a set of new rules under which violators would be strictly dealt with, it also said.