The assurance comes after a survey by Optima Network found that 90% of UK publishers had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of concern about the implications of any change. WHSmith has also drawn criticism from the PPA's Independent Publishers' Advisory Council (IPAC). A majority of respondents estimated that at least one title in its stable would have its "financial viability" affected.

"The research has slightly jumped the gun," said a WHSmith spokeswoman. "When publishers see the final list it will not include the significant changes that were first proposed."

The IPAC has written to the retailer to express concern about the proposed review and its implications.

"If certain specialist titles aren't stocked then it will result in fewer customers and fewer sales for WHSmith," said Fox Publishing managing director and IPAC committee member Gregor Rankin. "And if you restrict the route to market it will result in fewer titles being published."

Rankin added that the consequences would have an effect on printers with the immediate possibility of print runs being cut.

Optima Network, an independent group of publishing and advertising professionals, had 71 responses to its survey, which it claims, represents 65 publishing companies and over 150 magazine titles.

The research also found 60% believed that being downgraded or dropped by WHSmith could affect overall newstrade sales by 20% or more.

"Anything that has an adverse effect on publishers will have a knock on effect on magazine printers," said Southernprint commercial director John Sharp.

Although WHSmith's final proposals are expected to be mapped out over the next three weeks, the spokeswoman said publishers should not be concerned.

"There has never been any intention to have a large cull, but it is in our interests to stock titles that are in the consumers' interests and meet our business needs," she said.

Story by Philip Chadwick