The Australian Financial Review (AFR) will be a digital-only news title in Western Australia after the local printer, owned by Seven West Media, reportedly wanted to double its fee.
The AFR said Seven West Media's Kerry Stokes "demanded a new contract" which will bring to an end seven decades of the AFR distributing a printed newspaper in the state.
"The Seven-owned Colourpress, the only printer of major newspapers in Western Australia, delivered the ultimatum to Nine Publishing MD Tory Maguire," the AFR said.
Nine will upgrade the Today’s Newspaper section, a digital version of the physical paper, on the AFR website.
Distribution of The Australian Financial Review Magazine and quarterly Fin! Magazine will continue, sold separately in newsagencies.
Maguire said this decision is specific to WA and had no impact on other papers and magazines in the rest of the country.
“We work very constructively with the printers of our newspapers and magazines to ensure the long-term sustainability of our print products, which continue to be profitable," she said.
"Fortunately the Financial Review is an incredibly successful digital publication, which has allowed us to make this decision in the best interests of our business."
The last Western Australian print edition of The Australian Financial Review will be May 22.
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