Newspaper Revenue

News Media 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 2016, total advertising spending from major reported media accounted for almost $13 billion. Internet advertising continues to climb, placing it in the top ranked media position. Once again, the top three advertising media in 2016 are Internet ($5.5 billion), Television ($3.3 billion) and Newspapers ($2.1 billion). Full details and trending can be viewed in the 2016 report below.

Daily Newspapers

Every quarter, paid and free daily newspapers are surveyed to collect revenue data for print and online advertising as well as circulation. Participating newspapers represent 92% of total daily newspaper circulation. Estimates are made for non-participating titles by developing metrics based on data from participants.

In 2015, daily newspapers reported $1.42 billion in advertising revenue. Print advertising revenue represents the majority at $1.2 billion and the balance is online revenue ($229 million) and mobile revenue ($13 million).

Community Newspapers

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. Estimates are made for non-participating titles by developing circulation based metrics derived from actual participant data.

In 2015, total advertising revenue for community newspapers was $881 million. Print advertising accounts for the majority of revenue (96%) while online advertising represents 4% at $40 million.

Surveys from 2012 to 2014 were 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@newsmediacanada.ca.