The UK magazine industry is highly consolidated, with the top 10 publishers owning over 50% of the market. Hearst Magazines UK owns 21 magazine titles representing 4% of the market but 13% of total circulation. Hearst has expanded beyond magazines into other media industries, owning over 20 websites, 30 newspapers, and radio and TV stations. Foreign ownership of UK magazine publishers is common, and large international companies like Hearst can leverage their brands and resources across multiple countries.
9. Does it matter? Circulation
• 21 titles: 4% of UK market
• Titles include Cosmo, Men’s Health, Company,
Elle
• 13% of the circulation
• Around 20 major
websites including
Sugarscape.co.uk
• 30 newspapers,
2 radio stations,
30 TV Channels, 3 online channels
10. Does it matter? Competition
Tried to buy EMAP (Empire, Kerrang!) in 2009 for
£700m; Bauer paid £1.1bn
Bought Hachette Filippachi in March 2010
Closed two of its own titles: She and
Cosmopolitan Bride.
12. How works
Created 30 years ago.
Distributes to over 80 countries worldwide.
Heart and Condé Nast avoid paying outside
company to distribute their magazines.
Also carries out market research
Developed EDP technologies (Electronic Data
Processing), allowing analysis (through barcodes
and credit cards) of
what people buy with their magazines (chocolate etc.)
where they buy
who is buying
37. Does it matter: Audience
ABC1, “fashionable, fun,
confident with key
interests in shopping,
beauty, and relationships.
18-35, core 20-25.” (Hearst UK)
USED to be biggest selling
UK women’s monthly
(450,000 sales per month).
Now 375,000 - behind
Good Housekeeping,
Glamour etc.
38. Does it matter: Audience
£375,000 sales
>£1m per issue
Ad costs £18,000 to
£25,000 per page.
>£1m per issue as well