National newspaper ABCs: Daily Star boosts weekday and Sunday sales in October

National daily, Sunday and free titles saw little change across the market in October, with an exception to the Daily Star which boosted both its weekday and weekend circulations following a price cut.

The daily market

Up 7.1% over the month, Daily Star sold an extra 28,700 copies, taking its overall circulation to 432,000.

The Financial Times, Times and Sun also improved on September’s figures, although marginally in comparison, up 1.1%, 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively.

The Independent was hardest hit over the month with a -2.6% decline in sales; however, this translates to just 1,500 copies.

As per usual, yearly declines were much heavier; however, the Times actually reported a small increase in sales, up 0.4%.

London Free Press

October was a slightly better month for the free press compared with other markets, with circulation up 1.8%.

The London Evening Standard saw circulations increase both over the month (3.4%) and the year (2%), with the overall market increase helped by a 2.1% boost in City A.M.’s distribution.

However, the business and financial title was down -8.2% year on year.

The Sunday market

In line with its weekday counterpart, Daily Star Sunday was up 8.1% in October, shifting an extra 20,300 copies.

Sun on Sunday was the only other title to increase circulation over the month, up 0.9%.

Also mirroring the daily market, Independent on Sunday recorded the largest period decline, down -3%, followed by the Observer (-2.7%).

Over the year, Sunday People has seen sales decrease by a little over -17%, while Sunday Post was down -13.9% year on year and Sunday Mirror down -12.5%.