Extracts from the ABC Q4 2013 presentation released today, Wednesday, 26 February 2014, shows a difficult trading environment for magazine publishers. The magazine category has recorded a disappointing 8.5% decline.
Graphs, analysis and data courtesy of the ABC.
Four Year Magazine Circulation by Quarter
Total magazines decreased by 4.7% (951,000 copies) over the previous quarter. Consumer magazines decreased by 1.9% (138,000 copies) over the previous quarter.
Titles Showing Largest Growth
Consumer Magazines
| No | Publication Name | TOTAL CIRCULATION | Corresponding Previous Period | Variance — Prior Year | |
| 1 | Kuier Combo (Annual) | 105 511 | 23 077 | 357,21% | |
| 2 | SA Career Focus(Six monthly) | 4 835 | 2 412 | 100,46% | |
| 3 | Fitness His Edition (Six monthly) | 11 693 | 8 214 | 42,35% | |
| 4 | Fitness Magazine (Six monthly) | 22 972 | 17 624 | 30,34% | |
| 5 | Entrepreneur | 22 323 | 17 280 | 29,18% |
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Consumer Magazines — Home
Circulation has remained static over the period. Q4, however, decreased by 7.5% (58,000 copies), compared to Q3, mainly the result of some titles reporting on a biennial cycle.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Consumer Magazines — Woman’s General
This category has fluctuated considerably. Circulation declined by 2.7% annually (185,000 copies) over the period, although Q4 increased slightly compared to Q3.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Consumer Magazines — Sport and Hobby
Circulation declined annually by 3% (59,000 copies) over the period. Q4, however, declined by 12% (52,000 copies) compared to Q3, mainly the result of discontinued titles.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Consumer Magazines — Travel
Circulation increased annually by 23% (252,000 copies) over the period, fluctuating considerably as a result of biennial reporting titles. Q4 increased by 47% (162,000 copies) compared to Q3, because of new members, changed reporting cycles, and biennial reporting titles.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Business-to-Business Magazines
Circulation has increased annually by 0.7% (33,000 copies) over the period.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Custom Magazines
Circulation increased annually by 1.8% (838,000 copies) over the period. However, Q4 decreased by 6.5% (811, 000 copies) compared to Q3, mainly the result of one large title not reporting.
Four Year Category Trend by Quarter:
Free Magazines
Circulation declined annually by 18% over the period. Q4 decreased by 4.8% (30,000 copies) compared to Q3.
Graphs, analysis and data courtesy of the ABC.
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