The renaissance of print magazines
Andrew Cook, director of sales at Are Media, explains how and why sales of print magazines are growing.
The digital world is developing faster than you can say “AI”. Whether we realise it or not, we are glued to our screens, constantly scrolling and being fed thousands of messages daily. Combine that with a skyrocketing cost of living and worries about the state of the world, and it’s no surprise Australians are collectively feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
We also know that, while Aussies are curbing spending, they are trying hard to maintain some joy in their lives. One area they are finding that joy? Print magazines.
We are watching interest rates and house costs climb, we are chasing the lowest petrol prices, seeking out grocery specials and making our smashed avo at home with our coffee. Despite these cost-cutting measures, magazines are on the rise. Magazine readership just clocked its sixth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth according to Roy Morgan data. Are Media’s titles recorded a 4% year-on-year increase in December 2023 to an average of 6.04 million readers a month.
Another personal reason for me: I like to read, and I have three young kids. I want to read around them, but not on a screen! Especially a phone or tablet. So print is an obvious solution (also enjoy tactility etc.)