Regional Newspapers: Free regional titles show modest first-half ABCs

LONDON - The circulations of free regional papers declined less than their paid-for counterparts during the first half of 2008, according to the latest regional newspaper ABC report.

The largest UK free paper by circulation was the Nottingham & Long Eaton Topper, published by Topper Newspapers Ltd, which recorded 211,880 average copies, up 0.1% year on year. Of the top 10 free papers by circulation in the UK, four recorded a reduction in circulation when compared with the first half of 2007, while six free titles increased their circulations modestly.

The free paper with the second-highest circulation was also from Nottingham; 152,456 copies of the Northcliffe Media title Nottingham Recorder were distributed, up 1.60% year on year. Newsquest's Wirral Globe, up 0.3% to 133,913 copies, recorded the third-biggest circulation.

The Scunthorpe Target, published by Northcliffe Media, increased its circulation by the biggest percentage year on year, up 86.1% to 57,752. The News, published in Gloucestershire, distributed 56,598 copies, up 74.7% year on year.

Only two paid-for regional papers increased their circulation year on year in the first half of 2008: the Trinity Mirror-owned Birmingham Post was up 0.9%, while The Manchester Evening News, published by Guardian News & Media, increased its circulation by 85.8% to 161,545.

The free paper whose circulation declined by the greatest percentage year on year was the Trinity International Holdings' Stirling Shopper, which was down 55.7%.


by Maisie McCabe Media Week 02-Sep-08