DM168 grows in circulation once again — our readers are our secret sauce

It’s not easy: we’re always reworking our allocation and distribution methods, and tweaking our production model to get ahead of an industry that’s geared against us. But in truth, we’re dependent on more than just the six core members of this tiny team. We have enthusiastic commercial members ready to make dreams come true for marketing teams, and we only exist because of the work Daily Maverick’s journalists do in uncovering stories and defending truth. 

We also wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our readers. They are fiercely loyal. They are our eyes and ears, ensuring our newspaper copies are in shops, and they diligently report back. They read the paper from cover to cover (occasionally doing so stark naked in the sun – they send us pictures. We won’t share these). They are adamant about accountability. They have that Saffa sense of humour. They are intelligent, curious and love a good investigation that keeps the politicians in check. 

Most importantly, they understand how detrimental it can be navigating online life and news. As our editor, Heather Robertson, says: “Too much garbage information has made many tune out knowledge and information that could nourish them. Social media makes us vulnerable to ignorance and exploitation by the powerful and greedy.” Our readers know this. They opt for a curated package, rather than a barrage of information overwhelm.  

It’s why we launched a weekly newspaper, at a time when every indication said not to. It’s a trusted source, it’s slow, it engages readers and keeps their attention for a time that online dreams are made of. 

Newsprint isn’t for everyone, we get it. But it is the go-to for an increasingly growing audience. For DM168, that means 10.7% more readers year on year, and it’s been our trend from the start.

Hats off to you, our readers, to our advertisers who believe in us, not just as a charitable cause, but as a medium that carries weight, credibility and value for their companies, for South Africa and all who dwell within it.

To all 11,112 readers, we’ll see you on the shelf or on your doorstep this weekend. To the advertising and corporate teams out there, let’s talk about what a trusted source like DM168 can do for you. Get in touch on at [email protected] 

Until next time, 

The DM168 team