Thelondonpaper maintains lead over rival London Lite

by Darren Davidson Brand Republic 11-Apr-08, 12:40

LONDON - Thelondonpaper increased its lead over rival London Lite with a 0.03% rise in circulation last month, as Lite fell by 1.17% to take its circulation below 400,000 copies for the second time this year.

The Lite, a stablemate of Associated Newspapers' Evening Standard, reported a monthly circulation of 395,633 copies in March, while its six-month average is up 0.59% to 397,599 copies.

News International's thelondonpaper recorded a monthly circulation of 500,792 copies, taking its lead to more than 100,000 copies over London Lite. Its six-month average is up by 11.3% to 494,029 copies.

Ian Clark, thelondonpaper managing director, said: "This clearly demonstrates that Londoners are now actively making thelondonpaper their paper of choice over the Lite.

"Thelondonpaper is continuing to cement it's position as London's number one evening newspaper in terms of distribution and readership with Londoners recognising its number one brand status across the Capital."

Associated's morning freesheet Metro suffered a 0.74% drop in circulation to 742,145 copies in the London area. Its six-month average is up 35.37% to 745,715 copies.

The publisher's paid-for title, the Evening Standard, was down 1.43% to 284,030 copies, while its six-month average is up 6.73% to 288,957 copies.