Readership And Circulation Jumps For IDG Titles

IDG Communications' stable of technology and business titles have turned in a string of impressive results in the latest AC Neilsen Readership Survey* and Audit Bureau of Circulations report**.

Computerworld, New Zealand's only newsweekly dedicated to the needs of information systems managers, showed strong growth with 51,000 readers, more than 30% higher than the previous survey.

With a 14% jump in readership to 151,000 PC World has consolidated its solid lead over weekly and monthly net and IT rivals as well as mainstream and business titles such as Metro, The National Business Review and The Independent Business Weekly.

The record readership result comes hot on the heels of the Audit Bureau of Circulations report for the six months to 30 June 2001, which shows PC World hitting a new high of 21,131 (up from 19,485) - the magazine's fifth straight period of growth.

New title Internet Magazine (launched Dec 2000), hit 14,725 readers in its debut audit. "To go from a standing start to 14,725 within six months surpassed our expectations. It also proves there's a big gap in the market for a high quality net publication," says Editor Chris Keall. "No other publication in the computer/internet category added anything close to that number in its ABC audit".

Another of IDG's technology focused titles, CIO, recorded a 5% circulation increase.

Meanwhile IDG's business title Unlimited bucked the trend of declining business audiences amongst its competitors in recording a small increase in net circulation. (Competing business monthlies NZ Business, Marketing and Management showed losses of 3%, 6% and 5% respectively in net circulation, though for NZ Business and Marketing Magazine, average net paid sales losses were significantly higher at 24% and 23% respectively.)

"It's been a hard year for magazines and the economy in general but we're pleased we've been able to weather the storm and get to this point in strong shape for when the economy improves," said IDG CEO Bob Pinchin.

"This reflects our belief that a high quality editorial product, produced for a specific target audience will draw a strong and loyal audience even when times are tough. We're especially pleased with the way Internet Magazine has carved itself a good share of a fast growing market for quality information about the internet. Between them, PC World and Internet Magazine deliver the lions' share of the reading audience for in-depth internet information in New Zealand."

"Our other titles also are turning in respectable performances in these tough times. Unlimited, especially, is holding its own while other magazines in its sector are clearly struggling."

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