An independent publisher is celebrating after three of its titles were named as the best performing in the UK in the latest ABC figures.
As reported by HTFP last week, only two paid-for titles recorded an increase in their weekly sales – both of them owned by Scottish publisher Wyvex Media.
They were the Arran Banner, whose average wekely sale increased by 16.8pc to 2,334, and the Campbeltown Courier and Agryllshire Advertiser, up 10.3pc to 3,477.
The company’s flagship weekly, The Oban Times, also recorded a near flat year-on-year circulation, down just 0.76pc with an average weekly sale of 5,599.
With sales growing by 5.7pc across its portfolio, Wyvex Media was also the only UK publisher to increase its overall circulation in 2024.
The results have been hailed by news chiefs at the firm, who say it proves that people are still willing to pay for top quality local content.
Head of online content Brian Hossack, pictured, said: “The ABC figures for the last year, which show that we have the three best performing print titles in the UK, are an astonishing achievement.
“Only three publications anywhere in Britain increased their weekly sale, and to achieve these results in a time of almost across the board sales decline, I feel is remarkable.
“I believe it is testament to the incredible work of our journalists and all of those behind the tough job of getting papers that really connect with their communities out the door every week.
“Our emphasis has always been on boots on the ground local journalism. It works in print and it works in digital, great content is great content and we believe these results prove that if you deliver that, there is still a thirst for local news.”
Group editor Susan Windram added: “Local media plays an indispensable role in keeping our communities informed about issues that directly affect their lives, from local government decisions to community events and developments.
“It also serves as a vital watchdog, holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency.
“In an era of increasing misinformation and polarisation,we have proved we provide a trusted source of information that is essential for a healthy democracy.
“Our communities and businesses clearly agree, subscribing or buying our titles more than any other across the UK, I feel because our journalists, who live and work within the communities they serve so diligently, provide them with the trustworthy news they expect and demand.”
Wyvex Media’s are also leading the way when it comes to digital subscription growth according to last week’s figures.
The Campbeltown Courier & Argyllshire Advertiser and the Arran Banner both more than doubled their number of digital subscribers while the Oban Times increased theirs by 84pc.