The Observer continues strong year with 3.17% rise

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 09-Nov-07, 13:35

LONDON - The Observer, which last month announced its award-winning editor Roger Alton is stepping down in the New Year, reported a 3.17% rise in circulation in October as the paper continues to outperform the Sunday quality market this year.

The title, which has appointed Alton's deputy John Mulholland as his replacement, recorded a circulation of 487,216 copies in October.

The Observer's six-month average figure fell 0.83% to 458,613 copies, the smallest drop reported by any title in the national Sunday market.

The Sunday Times performed well in October, with its month-on-month circulation up by 2.43% to 1,274,400 copies. Its six-monthly average figure fell 7.87% to 1,211,973 copies.

The Sunday Telegraph also boosted its circulation last month, up 1.03% to 651,499 copies. Its six-month average figure is down 2.07% to 647,118 copies.

Elsewhere in the national Sunday quality market, the Independent on Sunday suffered a 1.24% decline in circulation to 210,922 copies. Its six-month average figure is down 1.70% to 218,882 copies.

Market leader The Mail on Sunday posted a 1.27% month-on-month rise in circulation to 2,378,916 copies, while its six-month average figure was down 0.15% to 2,316,997 copies.

The other mid-market title, the Sunday Express, reported a 1.48% month-on-month decline in circulation to 716,656 copies, taking its six-month average figure down by 8.49% to 747,468 copies.

In the red-top market, the News of the World continues to struggle, with its October circulation down 2.75% to 3,351,827 copies. Its six-month average figure is down by 4.62% to 3,333,002 copies.

However, the Sunday Mirror fared much worse, with its month-on-month circulation dropping by as much as 4.05% to 1,393,184 copies, but its six-month average figure is down by 1.68% to 1,415,957 copies.