New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) continues to be New Zealand’s go-to news destination, with 2.7 million Kiwis keeping up with the news via its multiple platforms, according to new Nielsen readership figures.
The latest news readership results released by Nielsen show the New Zealand Herald continues to engage audiences across the country with its weekly brand audience expanding once again, reaching more than 2.2 million Kiwis – up 5.6 percent on the same period last year.
New Zealand Herald print readership is up on the previous quarter, with an average issue readership of 595,000. The Herald on Sunday also remains New Zealand’s number one Sunday paper with 356,000 readers nationwide.
NZ Herald Premium digital subscriptions also continue to grow year on year, totalling 140,000 including 83,000 paid digital-only subscribers.
Meanwhile, NZME’s community papers across the country saw a 9% growth in readership compared with the same period last year. Viva Magazine had 146,000 readers in its first full-year of readership, following the magazine’s launch in August 2020.
NZ Herald Editor Murray Kirkness says the results demonstrate Kiwis are flocking to NZME’s news platforms – print, audio and digital – for trusted, quality journalism 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The past two years have been incredibly disruptive and challenging due to Covid, and these latest figures demonstrate that more than ever, New Zealanders use our platforms as their trusted source of news.
“We continue to be innovative and creative in our news offering – whether that be through traditional or digital channels. There is something for everyone across all our platforms and we will continue to focus on what our audiences want to hear and read, and how best to reach them,” says Kirkness.
NZME Chief Executive Michael Boggs says the results, and the success of Herald Premium, demonstrates the value of high-quality journalism and the company’s investment in multiple news platforms as it continues to keep Kiwis in the know.
“NZME has continued to invest in quality journalism across our print, audio and digital platforms and Kiwis continue to demonstrate their loyalty to our brands.
“Furthermore, the substantial increase in our community newspaper readership also shows our ongoing investment in our local community publications is paying off. By supporting and developing local editors and journalists across the country we are building a sustainable future for our community network, ensuring the best in quality local storytelling,” says Boggs.
NZME has continued to invest in quality journalism announcing a range of new senior roles across newsrooms, investing further in Maori and Pasifika reporting, and significant investment and revitalisation of its local community newspaper network. Key announcements across the NZME news network include:
Alanah Eriksen appointed as Editor – Herald on Sunday.
Moana Tapaleao Appointed as Editor – Pasifika.
Joseph Lose Takes up Role as Editor – Kaupapa.
Plus, Open Justice – Te Pātītī: Court Reporting Network has been launched.
Kim Gillespie has been appointed editor of NZME’s community publication network, and will work with the dedicated editors of NZME’s 16 community titles – and NZME’s recently appointed Community Publication Network GM Glen Smith – to ensure the media owner continues to produce first-class journalism and storytelling in the regions.
