Consent Sought for the Transfer of Newscom

Trinity Mirror PLC
20 December 1999


Application to the Secretary of State for consent to the transfer to Trinity
Mirror of News Communications & Media plc ('Newscom') and its newspaper titles
                              
                              
                              
The Board of Trinity Mirror PLC ('Trinity Mirror') has noted the announcements
made by Gannett UK Limited ('Gannett') on 10 December 1999 and Johnston Press
plc ('Johnston Press') on 16 December regarding their respective interests in
Newscom.

Trinity Mirror today announces that it has made a formal approach to the
Secretary of State to obtain consent to the transfer of Newscom and its titles
to Trinity Mirror.  This application has been made with the intention that
Trinity Mirror's interest can be considered alongside that of Gannett and
Johnston Press.  Trinity Mirror has advised the Board of Newscom of its
potential interest in making an offer for the entire issued share capital of
Newscom.


Enquiries:

Philip Graf              Trinity Mirror PLC            0171 293 3000
Chief Executive

John Allwood
Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director

Simon Borrows            Greenhill & Co                0171 440 0400

Rupert Younger           Finsbury                      0171 251 3801
James Leviton