Damian Hetherington.
ACM’s new publishing model for its Western NSW mastheads has resulted in double-digit growth across circulation sales, subscriptions and advertiser demand, the media group reported.
The model launched in August this year saw titles double-down on delivering quality news coverage digitally on weekdays, stop Monday to Friday print editions and launch expanded, new-look weekend print editions
The changes at the Central Western Daily in Orange, the Daily Liberal in Dubbo and the Western Advocate in Bathurst were designed to better serve local communities by meeting changing consumer behaviour. It has resulted in a +19.3% increase in weekend newspaper sales and a +16.9% rise in subscriber acquisition since August.
“Less than six months in, our digital plus weekend model has been embraced by these communities; throughout the week more and more readers choose to stay informed with locally relevant news via our mobile apps, websites, newsletters and breaking news alerts,” ACM director of marketing, Jarrah Petzold, said.
"And come the weekend we’re seeing a strong demand for an immersive, relaxed read covering local people and issues."
Commercially, the change has resulted in an average 21% increase in the number of advertisers booking into the three weekend papers.
“The feedback from the market on the enhanced weekend print offering has been extremely positive,” said ACM director of enterprise sales, Damian Hetherington.
“The results reflect the strength of this proposition - giving advertisers engaging cross-platform environments to connect with local customers.”
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