Independent, award-winning local news is continuing to flourish on the Isle of Wight – but new audited figures reveal that the Isle of Wight County Press is now selling less than 9,000 copies a week.
Much-anticipated circulation figures, published by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), have this week revealed the average number of copies sold each week has fallen from 10,084 in 2023 to just 8,940 in 2024 – a year-on-year decline of 11.34%. That means the paper has lost a cover price income of some £83,000 in a year.
Over the past 15 years, the County Press has lost a staggering 75% of its readership – representative of the decline of the printed paper in the modern world. During that time the cover price has jumped from 70p to £1.40 too.
The County Press is no longer locally owned either, having been taken over by the American-owned publisher Newsquest in 2017. This is reinforced by the fact their Facebook page shows it is managed by some 33 people in the United Kingdom, 16 in India and 1 in Nigeria.
In August, Newsquest bosses sold the County Press’ home of more than 30 years, Brannon House. The editorial and sales team now work out of rented space at the Innovation Centre on St Cross’ Business Park.
Long-serving editor Alan Marriott left the paper in March 2023, handing over the baton to co-editors Lori Little and Lucy Morgan. However, Lucy has now also left the company with Lori continuing as sole editor, although under the guidance of the company’s Regional Editor, Ben Fishwick.
But it’s not all doom and gloom in the local press…
As independent, locally-owned publications, both Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer are flourishing.
Despite having a comparably small team, Island Echo continues to dominate when it comes to bringing you all the latest Isle of Wight news first, fast – and for free. Our team of 3 journalists work around the clock to keep the Island informed and on the move, attracting up to 3million page views a month.
Bucking the industry trend, Island Echo continues to grow. Last year a new website was launched, a commercial manager was appointed and operations moved to new offices in Ryde. In 2025, there are plans to recruit another much-needed journalist with hopes of yet more award wins – and an important contract win too!
Also boasting a strong position is the independent IW Observer newspaper, which now prints some 18,500 copies a week – almost 10,000 copies more than their paid-for rival. The paper is owned by Islanders and funded by local advertisers with no national advertising.
Island Echo is usually first with the news,
hence I no longer buy the County press.
Not at £1.40,full off adverts