Annual Consumer Magazine Spend Hits £2 Billion

Annual consumer expenditure on magazines has topped the £2 billion mark for the first time, reaching £2.03 billion in 2004, increasing by £54 million compared to the same time last year, according to the Advertising Statistics Yearbook 2005.

The report, published for the Advertising Association by the World Advertising Research Centre (WARC), claims that consumer expenditure on magazines has increased by 34% in real terms over the last decade, despite the recent rise of the internet and multi-channel TV over the same period.

Commenting on the findings, Ian Locks, chief executive of the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) said: “This represents an important milestone and demonstrates the enduring strength of magazines and the incredible innovative powers of the sector in continuing to capture the imagination of the British public.”

He added: “For this growth to have continued during such an amazing time of change for the media as a whole is particularly remarkable.”

The PPA reveal that the total annual volume of consumer magazines sold in the UK has risen for the fourth consecutive year, with sales in 2004 rising by 14 million copies to reach 1,339 million.

The weeklies market enjoyed the strongest growth, increasing by 31 million copies, while the total number of fortnightlies sold rose by four million, compared to monthly magazines, which fell by 22 million to 329 million.

PPA: 020 7404 4166 www.ppa.co.uk