RNS Number:5385Q
Johnston Press PLC
03 October 2003

                                   SCHEDULE 5

                        BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN

To:     Listing Applications

UK Listing Authority

Financial Services Authority

25, The North Colonnade

Canary Wharf

London, E14 5HS



               Please ensure the entries on this return are typed


1. Name of company
JOHNSTON PRESS PLC

2. Name of scheme
EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEME

3. Period of return:
From       01.04.04                                  To     30.09.03

4. Number and class of shares(s) (amount of stock / debt security) not issued
under scheme
285,642

5. Number of shares issued / allotted under scheme during period:
202,179

6. Balance under scheme not yet issued / allotted at end of period
83,463

7. Number and class of share(s) (amount of stock / debt securities) originally
listed and the date of admission;
400,000 SHARES LISTED ON 23.09.02

Please confirm total number of shares in issue at the end of the period in order
for us to update our records
283,638,994

Contact for queries
Name              RICHARD COOPER
Address           53 MANOR PLACE, EDINBURGH EH3 7EG
Telephone         0131 225 3361

Person making the return
Name              RICHARD COOPER
Position          COMPANY SECRETARY
Signature         RICHARD COOPER

The FSA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of this
document or material and does not accept any liability for error or omission.
The FSA is not liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages
for loss of business or loss of profits) arising in contract, tort or otherwise
from the use of or inability to use this document, or any material contained in
it, or from any action or decision taken as a result of using this document or
any such material.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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