Freesheet circulation figures rise

The free newspaper sector enjoyed year-on-year growth in the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures for the six months to June. However, the London Lite recorded a slight fall month on month.

Market leader, Associated Newspapers-owned Metro managed a 36.65% increase to 747,057 in the London metropolitan area. It also rose slightly – 0.26% – month on month. Overall, across all the regions it distributes to around the country, it rose 21% 1.359 million.

News International’s thelondonpaper enjoyed a 3% year-on-year rise to 500,679, while also marginally rising 0.11% month on month.

Its rival London Lite, also owned by Associated, recorded a more conservative year on year growth, up 0.41% to 399,860, while falling 0.17% month on month.

Business freesheet title City AM continues to gain ground, up 0.84% to 97,497, while rising 0.12% month on month.

Jens Torpe, City AM chief executive says as in previous years it is reducing its distribution for the months of July and August in line with the City winding down. He adds: “Following the summer months and the return to normal distribution levels in September, we expect to see a further lift in take up during the autumn.”