ABC Regional Newspapers: Jan-Jun 2003

The latest ABC regional newspaper figures for the January to June 2003 period once again paint a mixed picture for the top ten paid regional newspaper groups. The strongest performance came from Kent Messenger Weekly Newspaper Group, which saw the total circulation of its titles increase by a solid 8.6% year on year to 166,995. Central Counties Newspapers Group recorded a slight 0.3% improvement during the same period to 119,127, while the smaller Rochdale Observer Group saw a 1.1% year on year rise during the first half of 2003 to 87,188.

At the other end of the scale, Surrey Advertiser All Papers Group saw the total circulation of its titles slip by 5.8% year on year to 99,601, whilst Sunday World – All Editions Group experienced a 5.5% year on year decrease during the same period to 278,613. Chester Chronicle Group also suffered with the combined circulation of its titles dropping by 3.6% year on year to 94,286.

The six months to June 2003 proved rather disappointing for the top ten paid regional newspaper titles, all of which saw their circulation decline in year on year analysis. Sunday World – Republic Of Ireland Edition was the worst hit, with circulation dipping by 6.9% year on year to 210,050. Birmingham Evening Mail (Mon-Fri) also performed poorly and recorded a 6.4% drop during the same period to 113,973.

Belfast Telegraph (Mon – Fri) escaped relatively unscathed with a 2.5% decline in circulation during the first six months of this year to 108,651, while Manchester Evening News (Mon-Fri) saw a 2.6% year on year drop during the same period to 158,143.

Midland News Association Group saw the most significant upward movement in percentage terms among the top ten free regional newspaper groups, with the total circulation of its titles increasing by 138.2% year on year to 604,188. The larger Daily Mail & General Trust-owned Northcliffe Newspapers Group also performed strongly, with an 106.5% improvement during the same period to 2,485,434.

At the other end of the scale, Newsquest South London Guardian Group suffered a 13.5% year on year decline in the overall circulation of its titles to 877,554. Newsquest London also had a less than successful first half and recorded an 8.9% dip to 1,462,328. Yellow Advertiser Series saw the total circulation of its titles decrease by 8.4% year on year to 491,355.

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