MEDIA MARKET DATA - World Association of Newspapers

WeddingsChinaMany newly-weds in Nanjing are now using a specially designed newspaper to inform friendsand relatives of their weddings. The newspaper, which is the same size as a regular tabloid,records couples' romantic stories and commitments, and includes best wishes from parentsand a wedding photo. The price for a slot in the newspaper is 988 yuan (US$122) for 200copies, and the wedding newspaper has already attracted many newly-weds in the city.http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-05/15/content_589565.htm; May 15, 2006 MANAGEMENTNewspaper Innovations, Strategy & VisionsGlobalIn a presentation to brokers and corporate bankers in London, the President of WAN, GavinO'Reilly, demonstrated that print media continue to be successful in both readership andrevenue terms and that "reading is still a vital ingredient in the human experience." Moreover,he stressed that investors and analysts needed to stress test the empirical market evidenceand not "regurgitate well worn myths", and recognise that the manner in which "theythemselves consume media is not a reliable proxy for the general public." Despite what thedoomsayers predict, newspapers have unique attributes which guarantee their future success.Among other things, Mr O'Reilly cited many facts and figures that show: * Over 1 billionpeople read a newspaper every day. * Newspaper circulations worldwide continue to grow -and while this growth is skewed to developing markets, much of the decline in Westernmarkets is reflected in changing consumer habits for evening newspapers. * Newspaperadvertising continues to grow -- and remains more effective than TV. * Of the establishedmedia, newspapers are far better at managing the economic cycle than their competitors. * Ina world of increasing media choice, newspapers represent the only true mass media marketchannel, being "fragmentation proof." * Newspapers are competing far more effectivelyagainst the rise of digital media than broadcast. "My sense is that traditional newspapercompanies first ignored the Internet, then over reacted it, and then concentrated onthe supposed threats it posed (without ever truly embracing it). That is history. That haschanged. It is the opportunities - which are numerous - which all newspaper publishers aresingularly focused on these days." * Contrary to conventional wisdom, increasing broadbandpenetration is not adversely impacting underlying circulation volumes or advertising. "Yetone still hears continually the unfounded suggestion that the Internet is damaging newspapercirculations -- yet the one irony is that where newspapers are strong, so too is the Internet." *In the last 24 months, more new, innovative newspaper products have been launched thanover the prior 30 years. * Newspaper companies continue to invest heavily in their businesses.* “Media markets are fast-changing and evolving, and newspapers ‘longpredicted to be in terminal decline by many advocates of TV and new media’ will in factcontinue to play a more vital and vibrant role in the media landscape of the future," said MrO'Reilly, speaking to brokers and corporate bankers in London last week. The fullpresentation can be found at http://www.wan-press.org/article9051.html WAN Press Release,February 1, 200661