Posted by Bud on December 23, 2009 at 20:38:52:
Chicago Tribune Readership Grows
Released December 23, 2009
The Chicago Tribune posted year-over-year readership increases according to the most recent Scarborough data, the largest increase in a decade.
Data for the 6 month period ending in August for the Chicago DMA shows a 4 percent increase in the percentage of people who read the paper in the past week compared to the prior 6-month period.
Forty-two percent of the DMA read Chicago Tribune in the past week. This is the second consecutive period of readership increases for Chicago Tribune.
In addition, Scarborough results show an increase in engagement as readers are spending more time with the paper and reading it more often.
"Readership hasn't been at this level since February 2007. In fact, this is the first time in a decade we have seen readership increases of this magnitude. Our commitment to creating unique, differentiated content has paid dividends," said Tony Hunter, President and CEO.
"These increases in readership and engagement are driving results for advertisers."
With this increase, the Tribune continues to widen the readership gap over the Sun-Times from 6 percentage points for the 6-month period ending February 2008 to nearly 15 percentage points today.
"Our readership trends confirm that we cover this market better than anyone else. We will continue to provide compelling solutions for consumers and advertisers, online and in print," said Hunter.