Global newspaper market continues to grow

by Olivia Solon, Media Week 07-Feb-07, 15:28

The number of daily newspapers in circulation worldwide rose by 9.95% between 2001 and 2005, according to a study by the World Association of Newspapers.

The combined circulation of free and paid-for dailies in Europe rose by 2.12% over the five years, from 104,795,000 to 107,019,000. However paid-for daily circulation in Europe fell by 6.39% in that same period to 96,786,000.

Metro UK emerged as the second largest free national newspaper in the world after Leggo in Italy.

Circulation growth was seen in Africa, South America and Australia and Oceania.
"What we are seeing completely contradicts the conventional wisdom that newspapers are in terminal decline," said Timothy Balding, CEO of the Paris-based WAN. "Newspapers are doing far better than commonly believed. In fact, the figures confirm that the industry is healthy and vigorous and is successfully dealing with increasing competition from other media.”