NZ Magazine industry bounces back

NEWS RELEASE
Embargoed until Midnight Thursday August 19

NZ Magazine industry bounces back

New Zealand magazines are again in big demand on the country's newsstands.

New circulation figures out today reveal kiwis are reading more magazines, and showing a stronger interest in local rather than imported titles.

The country's largest publisher ACP New Zealand has today (Friday August 20) released audit figures showing significant gains for most of its 23 titles.

Success stories include She (+16%), North & South (+9.4%) and Metro (+7.0%).

The official New Zealand Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figures cover the six months to the end of June. The strong recovery follows an industry downturn, which lasted almost 18 months.

ACP New Zealand Managing Director Bruce Cotterill says New Zealand magazines have had to become more relevant to survive.

"One of the biggest industry trends has been the sheer volume of magazines now hitting the newsstands," he says.

"The majority of these magazines are imported. So in recent months, we've worked hard to make our publications even more relevant to New Zealand readers."

"Your Home and Garden is just one example. This magazine has been completely reworked to target do-it-yourself homemakers. We have been rewarded with a remarkable 13% increase in circulation."

Bruce Cotterill says ACP is delighted with the company's overall performance, including a strong showing by its current affairs stable of Metro and North & South.

"The turnaround in Metro is particularly satisfying. The magazine has regained its confidence. It is now more confident, and more topical. This, coupled with a 9% rise for North & South, confirms the company's continued strong performance in current affairs."

New Zealand Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figures
Six months to June 30

She------------------------+16.0%
Home & Garden------------+13.5%
North & South------------+ 9.4%
Metro------------------------+ 7.0%
Next------------------------+ 2.5%
Womans Day------------+ 2.4%
Nat Geographic------------+ 1.5%
Aust. Womans Weekly ------no change
Cleo------------------------- 5.7%
Fashion Quarterly------------- 7.4%
Home/Entertaining-------------10.4% (Newly launched)

TRADING MAGAZINES:

Trader------------------------+16.0%
Auto Trader------------------+ 6.5%
Farm Trader------------------+ 6.0%
Motorcycle Trader------------ - 1.1%
Deals On Wheels------------ - 2.5%

ENDS

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