Abstract: The vending machine comprises a housing (17) with a dispensing slot in its front panel (2,3). A table (24) is vertically displaceable and pulled upwards by spring urged chains on either side passing over interconnected sprockets (26). A stack (36) of newspapers (37) is placed on the table (24) and abuts adjacent one of its front corners against a post. An arm (57) containing a pivotable gripper element with gripper needles is pivotable about the vertical axis of the post. The needles are kept retracted until the correct amount has been inserted into a coin slot (7). Then they are released and engage the topmost newspaper (37). When now a handle (12) is operated it pivots the arm (57) about its axis. The newspaper (37) swings about the post until one corner extends through a dispensing slot where it can be pulled out. The machine is particularly constructed to prevent tampering.