Sales show reader loyalty to Cape Times

THE Cape Times ended 2014 with a circulation of 31 930, holding steady with its readership base in a very tough environment.

This is marginally down by 681 copies over the corresponding period of 32 611 in 2013, but encouragingly up 382 copies on the 31 548 copies sold in the preceding quarter of last year.

“We want to thank our readers for standing by us during a year of considerable change at the Cape Times. We’ve embarked on a new editorial direction, taking leave of many long-standing features and columnists as we embark on a new era in the Cape Times’ proud history.

“Naturally, these changes have evoked a strong response and vigorous debate, but we are very pleased to note that despite this we increased our circulation in the last quarter of last year. This is an important show of support from loyal Cape Times readers, which we really value,” said Cape Times Editor Aneez Salie, after the release of the year-end Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures yesterday. The Cape Times is conducting vigorous research to assess and cater for its readership, to explore potential new audiences and to grow its digital footprint.

“The Cape Times is a quality newspaper with a long and distinguished history, which we will build on and grow. It’s an exciting time and I am honoured to be at the helm of a team with considerable experience and great journalism potential. “We have our detractors, but we also have many supporters, and we will continue to do our utmost to serve readers with the calibre of product they are accustomed to and to grow a new readership base, as we reflect our city’s changing face accurately,” said Salie. – Staff Writer