Fairfax Newspapers Deliver Strong Result

Media Release

Major Fairfax Newspapers Deliver Strong Result in Latest Audit

All major Fairfax newspapers have experienced lifts in circulation, according to the latest year-on-year ABC circulation audit.

The Sunday Star-Times was a strong mover with a March 2004 circulation of 209,143, up from 203,901 (a 2.57% increase).

Leading the charge for daily newspapers was The Press with circulation up 1.45% from 91,111 to 92,436.

The Sunday News and metropolitan newspapers the Dominion Post and Waikato Times continued the positive trend. The Sunday News circulation increased to 110,759 (up 0.57%) while the Dominion Post lifted 0.03% to 99,123 and the Waikato Times experienced a 0.09% increase to 41,009.

Brian Evans, chief executive officer, Fairfax New Zealand, said the circulation results represented a healthy picture for newspapers.

“Among the metropolitan dailies the result for The Press is particularly strong and demonstrates that the Christchurch management team have really tapped into the local community and know what their readers want and expect from their daily newspaper.

``What is also notable about this audit is that the Dominion Post has progressed even further from the powerful performance which followed the combining of two mastheads. It has now delivered an even stronger result.

``The Dominion Post result was achieved during a year in which it broke several stories of significant national interest, won Newspaper of the Year, and has successfully promoted its strengths to the community.

“The decision to move the Saturday edition of the Waikato Times to a morning paper continues to get very positive feedback and we are starting to see this reflected in an overall lift in circulation,” added Mr Evans.

Among the Fairfax regional newspapers the Marlborough Express was the strongest performer with a 1.21% increase to 10,296, and the Manawatu Standard rose 1.03% to 20,566.

ENDS

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