Consolidation predicted for newspaper sector

There is likely to be more consolidation in the Irish newspaper industry over the next five years, according to Independent News & Media chairman, Leslie Buckley.

“Consolidation is taking place worldwide. I think in the next three to five years, it will be happening in Ireland,” said Mr Buckley. The main point of consolidation will be through shared printing operations but this could extend to shared editorial functions, he added.

Mr Buckley was speaking to the Irish Examiner following the release of INM’s results for the first six months of the year, which showed that operating profit of €15.9m was in line with the same period in 2013.