Half of Texas newspapers drop circulation in 2003

State adds 2 semiweeklies, 5 weeklies; combined circulation remains high at 4.2 million

More than half of Texas’ 530 newspapers lost circulation in 2003 but combined, the state’s newspapers still are reaching more than 4.2 million people.

From October 2002—September 2003, 286 Texas newspapers reported a loss in paid circulation on the annual Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (PS Form 3526). Only 188 newspapers reported an increase and 49 remained the same or did not provide figures.

Among the state’s 90 daily newspapers, 55 percent (50 newspapers) showed a

decrease in circulation. Thirty-seven percent (33 newspapers) reported an increase and seven newspapers stayed the same or did not provide figures.

The state’s four largest dailies with more than 200,000 circulation all reported gains.

The pattern was similar among the state’s 59 semiweeklies where 61 percent (36 newspapers) lost circulation. Only 35 percent gained circulation (21 newspapers). Two semiweeklies’ circulation stayed the same.

The number of semiweeklies in Texas grew to 61 in the latter part of 2003 after the weeklies Copperas Cove Leader-Press and Monahans News increased their frequency to twice weekly.

Weekly newspapers followed a similar pattern with 53 percent losing circulation or 200 of the 380 weekly newspapers. Thirty-five percent of weeklies gained circulation (134 newspapers) and 40 stayed the same or did not provide figures.

The average circulation of a Texas weekly newspaper during the reporting period was 2,334. Overall, 154 weeklies have more than 2,000 paid circulation; 137 range between 1,000 and 2,000; and 87 have less than 1,000 circulation.

Texas added five new weeklies last year but lost three. One daily newspaper also ceased publication in 2003.

The figures for this analysis come directly from the postal form 3526 and reflect whether the newspaper’s circulation changed. In some cases the difference could have been only one number.

The average circulation of a Texas weekly newspaper during the reporting period was 2,334. Overall, 154 weeklies have more than 2,000 paid circulation; 137 range between 1,000 and 2,000; and 87 have less than 1,000 circulation.

Texas added five new weeklies last year but lost three. One daily newspaper also ceased publication in 2003.

The figures for this analysis come directly from the postal form 3526 and reflect whether the newspaper’s circulation changed. In some cases the difference could have been only one number.