Herald on Sunday to launch with 50,000 subscribers

28th September 2004

Herald on Sunday to launch with well over 50,000 subscribers

Six days before its first edition is even printed, the New Zealand Herald’s soon to be launched Herald on Sunday newspaper has already signed up more than 50,000 home subscribers.

APN News & Media Chief Executive Brendan Hopkins said the support for the new publication, to be launched on October 3, was unprecedented in New Zealand newspaper history.

“Herald home subscribers have responded in their thousands to the opportunity to have the new Herald on Sunday delivered to their homes,” Mr Hopkins said.

Mr Hopkins said the subscription number was expected to grow further as the newspaper’s marketing campaign gained momentum this week, and excitement mounted over this coming Sunday’s launch.

Mr Hopkins said the Herald on Sunday would also be available through more than 4000 retail outlets, including supermarkets, service stations, dairies, cafes, hotels and motels.

“Wherever there is an outlet which stocks The New Zealand Herald and is open on Sunday, readers will be able to buy their new Herald on Sunday.”

The newspaper’s cover price will be $1.80.

Herald on Sunday Publisher Rick Neville said the paper’s outstanding home subscriber base would provide a solid readership for advertisers at very cost efficient rates. At the newspaper’s launch, the company indicated a target total circulation of 85,000-100,000 within three years. It now seems likely that this forecast will be exceeded in the first year.

Mr Neville said advertising support for the first issues of the Herald on Sunday was strong, both from businesses choosing to advertise solely in the new Sunday paper and from those in existing relationships with The Herald. All of the advertising was incremental to the existing daily product.

“Agency and retail advertising sales have been terrific, far outstripping budget in most categories. Classifieds selling, through the Herald’s call centre, began yesterday with encouraging early indications,” he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media