Nine has confirmed it will remove print editions of The Australian Financial Review from circulation in Perth after Kerry Stokes' Seven West Media (SWM) set out a new contract that would entail a 100% increase to printing costs.

SWM media is behind, Colourpress, the only printer of major newspapers in Western Australia. The company also prints News Corp's The Australian, but according to the AFR's reports, that masthead has not been issued a similar price increase.

The move marks the end of seven decades of the Financial Review distributing a printed newspaper in Western Australia, with the paper now shifting its focus to enhancing the digital offering for its Western Australian readers and subscribers online. This includes an upgrade to the 'today's newspaper' digital version of the physical paper.

“This decision is specific to Western Australia and has no impact on our papers and magazines in the rest of the country," said Managing Director of Nine Publishing, Tory Maguire. “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. 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 distribution of the premium magazines produced by the Financial Review will continue. Nine, the publishing company, will ensure print subscribers who wish to continue receiving hard copies of the monthly magazine, The Australian Financial Review Magazine, and quarterly Fin! Magazine, will continue to do so. The glossy magazines will also be sold separately in news agencies.

The Australian Financial Review boasts a cross-platform readership of 3.5 million people nationally and has led coverage of the rise of Western Australia’s mining and energy sectors since its inception in 1951.

“Our WA coverage was recognised most recently with our journalists winning the business award at this year’s Quill Awards for Journalistic Excellence,” said Editor in chief, Michael Stutchbury. “The Financial Review digital readership is disproportionally the biggest of any newspaper brand in Australia and we are confident we can serve all West Australians interested in our award-winning journalism.”

The last Western Australian printed edition of The Australian Financial Review will be on May 22, coinciding with the Financial Review Mining Summit being held in Perth.