Arcep created the Observatory of the quality of print subscription distribution (by means of hand delivery or the Post) in 2024, pursuant to the memorandum of understanding on press transportation reform[1]. In this context, Arcep meets on a regular basis with the sector’s stakeholders to share common information, document the problems being encountered and work together on devising ways to improve the quality of newspaper and magazine delivery. The document being published today for public consultation is the fruit of the methodological work achieved by this Observatory’s monitoring committee.
A common set of standards to assess quality of service
To this end, the document being published for consultation, whose final version will be published, sets out:
the definition of the indicators for the Observatory of the quality of print subscription distribution, and their calculation method,
the rules for publishers, La Poste, and delivery networks’ data submissions,
the proposed nomenclature for classifying grounds for complaints,
the stakeholders likely to be required to transmit the data needed to monitor the indicators,
the planned data submission formats and deadlines.
Since it began this work, Arcep has maintained an ongoing dialogue with publishers, newspaper delivery networks, La Poste, France’s General Directorate for Media and Cultural Industries (DGMIC) and the General Directorate for Enterprise (DGE) through the monitoring committee and dedicated working groups. These discussions have helped fine tune the three indicators chosen, the methods to be used for their calculation and for transmitting data to Arcep. At stakeholders’ request, a common nomenclature for classifying grounds for complaints was also established, to enable more detailed tracking of the causes of subscribers’ dissatisfaction.
All of the stakeholders (publishers, distribution networks, trade organisations) are being asked to contribute to this public consultation, and to send their remarks to Arcep by 30 January 2026.