News Release

The number of regional press websites, radio stations and niche publications all grew by between 21 per cent and 25 per cent in 2006, demonstrating the evolution of regional newspaper companies into multimedia businesses delivering local news and information 24/7 across print, online, and broadcast channels.

 

The NS Annual Regional Press Survey, published today, shows the number of websites grew from 828 to 1102. The number of core regional newspaper titles went up slightly to 1303, while the number of stand-alone magazines and niche publications grew by 21 per cent from 595 to 755.

 

The industry now has 36 radio stations and two television stations, in addition to the online ‘television’ services and video streaming available on many local newspaper websites.

 

NS president Russell Whitehair, chairman of NWN Media Limited, said: “The regional press is growing and reaching new audiences across its print and digital platforms. We know that 40 million people already read a local paper in print. Growth in local newspaper websites means they now collectively represent one of the top UK online properties, attracting an estimated 20 million unique users a month* – which would put it above the BBC, alongside Yahoo! and within striking distance of eBay, MSN and Google.”

 

Despite the huge growth in local press websites, online advertising revenues – which grew by 18.3 per cent in 2006 - accounted for just £71 million (2.5 per cent) of total regional press ad revenues, with print contributing 94.5 per cent. 

 

Regional press turnover was £3.87 billion in 2006, with advertising and sponsorship revenue accounting for 73 per cent of the total (£2.83 billion). The sector’s contribution to UK GDP (value added) was £2.08 billion.

 

The industry employs nearly 50,000 people, with over a quarter of these (26.6 per cent) editorial staff and nearly a third (31.7 per cent) commercial, advertising and marketing staff. Total numbers exclude an estimated 110,000 news deliverers.

 

Regional press publishers invested around £360 million** over the past year in printing presses and production/systems technology.

 

The Annual Regional Press Survey is carried out by the NS to increase understanding of the regional press as a significant UK industry sector and employer.