ABCs Q2: Print under pressure

Total Newspaper circulation decreased by 175,000 compared to the previous quarter.

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According to the report, presented by Gordon Patterson, the Vice President of the ABC, the challenges facing the South African economy in 2014, coupled with a sluggish growth in our GDP and growing labour issues, means that publishers and purchasers will be "cash strapped for the foreseeable future".

Circulation declined annually by 1.7% (456,000 copies) over the period, although the decline has reversed in Q2 compared to the previous 6 quarters.

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The bureau reports that the reality for the daily press is more depressed than the figures show and weekly press is also in decline.

Some good news is that B2B is growing. Custom magazines have slipped slightly, but annuals are showing strong growth.

Download the Q2 Report (Large file)

For comparison download the full Q1 report (Large file)