New magazine titles were launched, including Gloss, an upmarket female magazine. A number of new internet initiatives were introduced, ranging from websites supporting the print brands to new-generation services.
Abril was one of the first corporate entities in Brazil to invest in the social area. Focusing on the improvement of elementary education, the Victor Civita Foundation sponsors a number of teacher and support projects.
The Naspers group also has a 37% interest in the leading sports publisher in China, Titan Media. Titan specifically fosters the broad interest in soccer in China.
Beijing Media Corporation, in which the group has a small interest and
which operates a leading local newspaper, had a more challenging year.
SOUTH AFRICA
Newspapers
Economic conditions in South Africa tightened, although solid
financial performances were achieved all round.
Circulation growth was recorded for some of the younger titles, while circulation was steady for most of the mature products. The Daily Sun’s circulation grew to more than 513 000 per day and readership increased to 4,75 million. It is the most widely read daily in South Africa. In the Western Cape, the daily tabloid, Son, grew circulation to 97 000.
The weekly review, Soccer Laduuuuuma!, recently set a circulation record of 321 000. Sunday Sun and City Press, both Sunday titles, showed steady growth. City Press this year also celebrated its 25th anniversary by launching several initiatives under the banner of Your SA, Our Home, Our Efforts campaign, which focuses on community values and environmental aspects.
A community magazine, My Week, was launched. Due to the slowdown in the market, a number of smaller titles were discontinued.
Media24’s newspaper journalists again performed by winning a wide variety of awards.
Magazines
It was not a good year for magazines, reflected by the slowdown in advertising support. Looking ahead, advertising budgets are more conservative.
Consumers are under pressure with the result that circulation levels are subdued, even for established category leaders.
However, impressive circulation figures were recorded by Drum (over 105 000), Move! (to almost 131 000), Cosmopolitan (to 123 600) – in which we hold a 50% interest, Real (56 000) and National Geographic Kids (39 000). Newly launched titles include Destiny, Sarie Kos, Huisgenoot Pols/You Pulse and Best Life.
Media24’s focus shifted from new releases to cultivating magazines launched in previous years. Titles without sufficient traction were discontinued.
Media24 magazines won various categories in the prestigious annual 2007 Pica Awards. This includes Weg, Visi and www.fin24.co.za (the magazine website). |
