Extracts from the ABC Q3 2014 presentation released today, Thursday, 13 November 2014, show a dramatic decline in magazine circulation year-on-year.
Total magazines have declined by 560 000 copies over the previous quarter and consumer magazines have decreased by 3% (176 000 copies) over the previous quarter.
Consumer magazine circulation has declined annually by 2% (547 000 copies) over the four-year period. Q3 has declined by 3% (175 000 copies), compared to Q2. The ABC notes that “while the results reflect a disappointing result, more careful inspection will reveal that this decline is influenced by a review of a recent digital packaging of titles and their counting methodology.”
Consumer magazines that have gained traction over the past quarter include Destiny Man, up 20%; Braintainment, +17%; Modern Athlete, +37.9%; Essentials, +12%; Rooi Rose, +8.3%; SA Home Owner, +7%; and Habitat, +5.6%.
Graphs, analysis and data courtesy of the ABC.
4 Year Magazine Circulation by Quarter
Total magazines have declined by 560 000 copies over the previous quarter. Consumer magazines have decreased by 3% (176 000 copies) over the previous quarter.
4 Year Category Trend by Quarter: Consumer Magazines
Circulation has declined annually by 2% (547 000 copies) over the period. Q3 has declined by 3% (175 000 copies), compared to Q2.
4 Year Category Trend by Quarter: Consumer Magazines — Home
Q3 has increased by 31 000 copies, compared to Q2, mainly the result of a new entrant.
4 Year Category Trend by Quarter: Consumer Magazines — Woman’s General
Circulation has declined by 3.8% annually (257 000 copies) over the four-year period. Q3 has declined by 71 000 copies, compared to Q2, partly the result of a discontinued title (O, The Oprah Magazine).
4 Year Category Trend by Quarter: Custom Magazines
Circulation has declined annually by 2.8% (1 513 000 copies) over the four-year period. Q3 has declined by 362 000 copies, compared to Q2.
4 Year Category Trend by Quarter: Free Magazines
Circulation has declined annually by 17.8% over the four-year period. Q3, however, has increased by 17 000 copies, compared to Q2.
Graphs, analysis and data courtesy of the ABC.
ABC Q3 2014 stories:
- ABC Analysis Q3 2104: The biggest-circulating consumer magazines in South Africa
- ABC Analysis Q3 2104: The biggest-circulating newspapers in South Africa
- ABC Magazine Round-up Q3 2014: Consumer mags revisit flawed circ counting
- ABC Newspaper Round-up Q3 2014: The Star is down 15.89%
ABC Q2 2014 stories from earlier this year:
- ABC Analysis Q2 2014: The biggest circulating consumer magazines in South Africa
- ABC Analysis Q2 2014: The biggest circulating newspapers in South Africa
- ABC Magazine Round-up Q2 2014: Even the good news is bad news
- ABC Newspaper Round-up Q2014: Depressing doesn’t even describe it
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