downsmail.co.uk
Why Downs Mail is top dog in local press
THESE are hard times for the local press. Falling circulations and sliding advertising revenues have put pressure on a once-great British institution. Here in Kent, newspapers have not
proved to be immune to these challenges. The Kent Messenger’s Maidstone,
Weald and Malling weekly editions now sell a combined 11,024 copies, according to the latest 2017 figures compiled by the industry’s official Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC). This represents a drop of 12.3% on 2016 figures.
Last year, Kent on Sunday ceased publication.
Some of the well-regarded titles in the
Trinity Mirror stable of papers nationwide have posted worrying 20%+ circulation slides in the most recent ABC figures. This decline in the wider newspaper industry is clearly causing concern, with the Prime Minister Teresa May recently ordering a review into the health of the local media.
Downs Mail, with its relentless quest for quality community journalism and free monthly distribution model to more than 80,000 homes, continues to strive to keep those negative forces at bay. Chairman of Mail Publications Ltd Claire Procter said: “We have always believed in the need for a strong, vibrant local news media which champions community journalism, not only to keep our readers informed but to hold those in authority to account. “Whilst trading conditions for some sections of the local press have been challenging in recent years, we have seen a growth in our business. With hard work by our dedicated staff, the support of our advertisers and a family of loyal readers we will continue not only to survive these difficult times, but to thrive.” That growth has included expansion of the Downs Mail portfolio from four editions to five, a massive increase in internet user numbers, growth of our
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quarterly lifestyle magazine Mid Kent Living and a developing leaflet distribution business. We are always striving to do better and would welcome comments on how we can improve Downs Mail and the service to our readers. Why not drop a line to editor, Simon Finlay, at
simon.finlay@
downsmail.co.uk
Downs Mail 80,475 01622 630330 *Source ABC January to December 2017. Average copies per issue. Registered charity number 1062723 Denton Range
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