Newspaper publishers

The newspaper publishing industry had a better year financially in 2003 than it did in 2001 (2002 data were not collected for the industry). Increases in advertising revenues along with lower newsprint prices over the two year period were key factors to this improvement for the industry.

Operating revenue for the industry increased by 5.8% from 2001 to 2003 to reach $4.82 billion. Earnings had declined in 2001 by 2.4%, reflecting a slowdown in the economy among other factors.

Advertising revenue, crucial to the success of the newspaper publishing industry, accounted for 70% of total operating revenue in 2003 (this figure is based on the survey portion of the estimates which represents 96% of industry operating revenue estimates). From 2001 to 2003, advertising revenue rose 4.3% after having dipped by 2.6% in 2001 when advertising budgets were dampened in response to sluggish economic growth.

The industry managed to limit its operating cost increase to 1.7% from 2001 to 2003. This was primarily because newsprint expenses, which accounted for 12% of total operating expenses in 2003, fell 10% in response to lower newsprint prices. Meanwhile, salaries, wages and benefits, which accounted for 41% of operating expenses in 2003, increased by 2.8% over the two year period.

The 10 largest publishers in Canada accounted for 85% of total industry revenues in 2003. This figure remained virtually unchanged from 2001.

Available on CANSIM: table 361-0003.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 4710.

For more information about the survey, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Allison Bone (951-3010; fax: 613-951-6696; allison.bone@statcan.gc.ca), Service Industries Division.