Upfront

John Roberts Founder Passes

MINNEAPOLIS—Robert A. Keene, co-founder and chairman of The John Roberts Co., passed away Feb. 3. He co-founded The John Roberts Co. in 1951 with E. John Chelberg, a thriving business which today employs more than 300 individuals.

Is Valassis/USPS Deal Unfair?

ARLINGTON, VA—The Newspaper Association of America (NAA) has filed an initial brief in its lawsuit against the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding that agency's August 2012 decision to approve a negotiated service agreement between the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Valassis Direct Mail. USPS granted Valassis Direct Mail discounts of 20 to 34 percent on new mail pieces containing advertising from national retailers of durable and semi-durable goods. Through these discounts, the NAA maintains the USPS has given one company a price incentive to move advertising inserts out of newspapers delivered to consumers' homes.