Newspaper Revenue

Newspapers Canada collects and reports on revenue data for the daily and community newspaper industries. Top line data provides a high-level view of newspaper industry revenues. Data is provided annually for inclusion in the industry report on Net Advertising Volumes.

In 2014 total advertising spending from major reported media accounted for just over $12 billion. Internet advertising continues to climb giving it the top ranking media position. Once again, the top three advertising media in 2014 are Internet, Television and Newspapers. Total advertising revenue from Daily and Community Newspapers combined in 2014 was $2.6 billion. Full details and trending can be viewed in the 2014 Reports below.

Daily Newspaper Revenue

Every quarter paid and free daily newspapers are surveyed to collect revenue data for print and online advertising as well as circulation. Since 2012 the survey has been conducted online and participating newspapers represent 98% of total daily newspaper circulation. Estimates are made for non-participating titles by developing metrics based on data from participants.

In 2014, daily newspapers reported $1.63 billion in advertising revenue. Print advertising revenue represents the majority at $1.392 billion and the balance is online revenue ($226 million) and mobile revenue ($12.2 million).

Community Newspaper Revenue

Revenue data for community newspapers is collected on an annual basis through an online survey. Community newspapers in every province are asked to participate in this survey to provide a snapshot of the industry revenues for independent and corporate titles as well as English and French-language publications. Response from corporate chains is almost 100% and independent publisher response was approximately 30% in the 2013 survey. Estimates are made for non-participating titles by developing circulation based metrics derived from actual participant data.

In 2014 total advertising revenue for community newspapers was $968 million. Print advertising accounts for the majority of revenue (97%) while online advertising represents 3% at $33 million. Community newspapers also reported an additional $90 million in other related revenue. Click the link below for the full 2014 revenue report.

This survey was conducted at the request of Newspapers Canada on behalf of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

For more information about newspaper revenue, please contact Kelly Levson, Director of Marketing and Research, at klevson@newspaperscanada.ca.