Daily Mail Sees Ongoing Weakness In National Advertising

Associated has seen ongoing weakness in the national display advertising market, as well as in the London classified market. The group says that within these conditions, the Daily Mail has performed well. The regional newspaper division, Northcliffe Newspapers, and business group, DMG Information, have also performed well despite the tough environment.

Associated’s display advertising revenues declined by 3.5% year on year for the eleven months to the end of August, with the decline slowing in July and August. DMGT says that the retail category is still holding up and travel has recovered to pre-Iraq war levels, but most other major categories, particularly financial, have remained weak.

Overall classified advertising revenues at Associated were up by 3.3% to the end of August, but those of the Evening Standard are still declining, down by nearly 10%. The regionals have shown stronger advertising trading, with Northcliffe’s revenues up 3% over the same period.

DMGT will announce its year-end financial results, for the twelve months 28 September 2003, on 27 November. By 10.30am today, shares in the group were down by 2.6% at 559.25p.