Despite a strong economy, the nation's 38 largest daily newspapers collectively lost circulation in the half year ending March, 2004, according to Editor& Publisher, a trade journal(link requires registration). Only two major papers, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post —— both commonly identified as conservative in their editorial policies —— reported robust circulation growth.

By virtue of being able to count paid internet subscriptions by readers who don't also get a newsprint version of the paper, the Journal saw its circulation rise by 15.4%, to 2,101,017. The New York Post, benefiting from a cover price of 25 cents, saw its circulation rise 9%, to 678,012.

The New York Times reported a mere 0.27 % circulation growth, to 1,133,763, virtually a rounding error, while the Los Angeles Times similarly claimed tiny growth of a small fraction of one percent. Given that the LAT was subjected to a reader boycott because of its allegedly biased coverage of the recent gubernatorial campaign, merely holding on to its readership must be counted as a victory for it, albeit a none—too—comforting one.

The biggest loser was The Washington Post, which lost 3% of its circulation, falling to 772,553. The WaPo is one of the few major left—leaning dailies to face a conservative daily competitor, The Washington Times, which was too small in circulation to be included among the 38 top dailies. Other major losers of circulation included liberal icons, The San Francisco Chronicle and the Denver Post.

USA Today, heavily dependent on business travelers, saw its circulation rise by 2.3%, holding on to its title as the largest circulation daily, at 2,143,582 per day, as business travel was strong during the period.

Posted by Thomas  05 04 04