DMNs daily circulation down to 331907 subscribers
The owner of The Dallas Morning News and the Denton Record-Chronicle A.H. Belo saw his first-quarter loss widen as the newspaper continued to grapple with steep declines in advertising revenue. The Dallas Morning News also saw its daily circulation drop 9.9 in the most recent 6-month period which ended March 31 2009.
Due mainly to declines in classified revenue in all of the publishers markets The Dallas Morning News advertising revenue dropped by over $30 million a 28.2 decrease during the first quarter compared to the same period a year ago.
In keeping with this loss of revenue the newspaper chain cut about 500 jobs during the first quarter and these labor reductions are expected to save the company about $27 million annually.
Although classified revenue has been down circulation revenue went up 9 due to increased prices for single-copy papers and home delivery in Dallas and Providence.
Excluding special charges the companys net loss was $18.1 million or 91 cents per share. First-quarter results include a $80.9 million or $3.93 per share noncash goodwill impairment at The Providence Journal in Providence R.I. and a $4 million or 19 cents per share charge for employment-reduction costs.
A.H. Belo continues to face significant revenue challenges in 2009 said Robert W. Decherd chairman president and CEO of the company Lower advertising revenues require us to continue to focus on expense reductions and operational realignment.
Morning News Circulation Drops 9.9
The newspaper published under the umbrella of Dallas-based A.H. Belo Corp. saw its Sunday circulation drop 8.7. The reduction leaves The Dallas Morning News daily circulation at 331907 subscribers and the Sunday paper with 474923 subscribers.
According to an audit report filed with the Audit Bureau of Circulations The Dallas Morning News also raised its prices for single-copy daily papers from 50 cents to $1 while the prices for the Sunday edition and home subscriptions jumped by 17 and 33 respectively.
We are placing even greater emphasis on home-delivered circulation" said John McKeon The Dallas Morning News president and general manager. Daily home delivery paid at 50 or more is 99.8 of daily home delivery an increase of 2.8 from one year ago. Despite an increase of 17 in subscription price home delivered circulation sold at greater than 50 of full price declined only 0.5 for Sunday and 3.2 for daily.
McKeon added These results speak to the value our readers place on the quality of our content. And they confirm the value of our premium pricing strategy and the quality of the audience it delivers to our advertisers.
