Free press, regulated competition

This paper examines newspaper cartels, a largely unoccupied field in media history, from the perspective of longevity. We analyse Finnish industry 1910s to 1970s and show that newspapers sought regulate various aspects competition, such as subscription prices, advertisement tariffs, newsprint prices. Data indicates political rivalry shaped cartel collaboration until late 1950s: was set up by right-wing centrist papers and, unlike other Nordic countries, Social Democratic press remained outside association 1958. Political shocks Civil War 1918 Second World also changed composition cartel. The era private cartels gradually started fade away result anti-cartel laws 1960s governmental anti-inflation measures 1970s. conclude economics cartelisation wider business environment, suppliers particular, encouraged co-operate with each other. results this article increase understanding on collaborative competitive environment companies, but contributes broader questions their inner dynamics.