Fairfax Newspapers Deliver Solid Performance

Fairfax Newspapers Deliver Solid Performance in Latest Audit

The latest Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) results confirm the strength of the country’s largest publishing company, Fairfax New Zealand, with steady year on year results from its stable of newspapers.

Fairfax was particularly pleased with the results for its Sunday newspapers in the six month period to March 31 2005.

Despite the introduction of a competitor, the Sunday Star-Times remains a firm favourite with readers, with a circulation of 203,647 (-2.6%). The Sunday News recorded a circulation of 101,279 (-8.6%).

Peter O’Hara, Fairfax New Zealand editor-in-chief, said: “Sunday is now the most competitive newspaper market in the country and with a new competitor some loss of circulation in this audit period was only to be expected. However we are delighted that our result across the two titles confirms our leadership position on Sundays.

“The Sunday Star-Times is very much a favourite of both readers and advertisers, as has been proven through this period. Likewise the Sunday News maintains a loyal customer base throughout the country, and they are enjoying a number of editorial initiatives.

“As New Zealand’s only truly national newspapers, both the Sunday Star-Times and the Sunday News continue to offer advertisers unrivalled national reach.”

Fairfax daily newspapers (>25,000) have stable circulations. The Press’ circulation is 92,458 (+0.02%), The Southland Times’ is 29,567 (+0.03%), the Taranaki Daily News’ is 26,754 (+0.02%) and the Waikato Times’ is 41,017 (+0.02%).

The Dominion Post has settled at a circulation of 98,232 (-0.9%) which is in keeping with expectations after promotions following its launch boosted circulation in previous audits.

“This is a positive performance, particularly when compared with the overall trend of major daily newspapers and shows the ongoing customer loyalty toward these mastheads,’’ Peter O’Hara said.

In the daily newspaper (<25,000) category Fairfax newspapers again remained very stable with the award-winning Manawatu Standard** recording a circulation of 20,576 (+0.05%), The Nelson Mail 18,437 (+0.07%), The Timaru Herald 14,335 (+0.04%) and The Marlborough Express 10,362 (+0.64%).

Ends.

Source: ABC Audited Circulation, 6 months to 31 March 2005 (>25,000)
ABC Audited Circulation, 12 months to 31 March 2005 (<25,000)
** Newspaper of the Year, under 25,000, Qantas Media Awards 2004

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