UK consumer mags saw circ fall 1.4% in 2nd half 2011; digital subs increase

Total average circulation among consumer magazine titles in the United Kingdom fell by 1.4% during the second half of 2011. Among the biggest decliners in ABC reporting, according to a story in MarketingWeek, was the women's lifestyle category, down 1.3%.

The number of magazines reporting sales figures for their digital editions increased four fold to 72 titles. Men's Health topped the list, with 7,779 paid digital subs. Conde Naste’s GQ had a digital circulation of 5,731, Dennis Publishing’s Men’s Fitness 3,987 and 3,745 for Hearst’s Esquire.

Paul Keenan, chief executive at Bauer Media, says that magazine brands will continue to build strategies around their core print titles, but adds that new platforms will place a greater focus on tailored content.

He adds: “Advertisers don’t see barriers they just see business and that’s how we have to deliver our solutions.”