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DM168 newspaper defies declining trends, boasts impressive growth

DM168 newspaper defies declining trends, boasts impressive growth
The Audit Bureau of Circulations reports an overall decline of 11.9% in weekly newspaper circulation. Daily Maverick’s DM168, Lesotho Times and Mail & Guardian were the only three weekend newspapers whose circulation increased QoQ. (Photo: Sourced / Bizcommunity) 
As global newspaper readership dwindles, Daily Maverick’s flagship Saturday newspaper, DM168, emerges as an anomaly.

According to the latest Q2 data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, DM168 is making waves, recording year-on-year growth of 7.2% and a 2.3% increase since the first quarter, bringing its total circulation to 11,068 copies. 

As weekly newspaper circulation continues to shrink year-on-year, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations’ Q2 2024 results, DM168 – Daily Maverick’s weekly newspaper – recorded significant increases in both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter trends. It is the only publication in the weekly newspaper category to do so.  

From pandemic project to national game-changer 


On one fateful day in September 2020, Daily Maverick – then, a solely digital news website – cheekily launched its flagship print newspaper, DM168, in the middle of an international pandemic. Four years later, its readership continues to rise and defy industry trends. 

This growth is thanks to the support from its resilient readers, Maverick Insiders and truth-seekers. What was an unthinkable pandemic project currently boasts a readership of 11,068. These numbers reflect an increase of 2.3% from the first quarter of 2024, and 7.2% growth since the previous year. 

The Audit Bureau of Circulations reports an overall decline of 11.9% in weekly newspaper circulation. Daily Maverick’s DM168, Lesotho Times and Mail & Guardian were the only three weekend newspapers whose circulation increased QoQ. (Photo: Sourced / Bizcommunity)


Kudos to the team


“It’s really rewarding to know that the combined talent of our small production team of designers and subeditors, our two-woman publishing team working with Daily Maverick’s exceptional journalists and editors, and Maverick Insider team is creating something of worth to our readers,” said Heather Robertson, editor of DM168. 

While many newsrooms are downsizing, Daily Maverick continues to invest in a team of highly skilled and experienced media personnel, who produce high-quality content week after week. 

Each edition of DM168 is a testament to its team’s dedication and talent – those who burn the midnight oil to ensure readers get their Saturday fix of political scandals, insightful investigations and satirical cartoons. 

Robertson emphasised the satisfaction of serving a community of engaged readers and collaborating with passionate colleagues committed to the future of the country.

The truth and nothing but 


The crux of DM168’s reportage is its commitment to the truth. Thriving in a print media landscape marked by declining engagement is no small feat.

“We are committed to our role as seekers of truth and sense-making and we have a whole lot of fun being of service to our loyal readers who keep us on our toes,” said Robertson. 

Readers can find DM168 at their local Exclusive Books, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar and Checkers, and garages nationwide. For those who prefer to stay cosy at home, soaking up the weekend stillness, subscriptions for home delivery are available here.

If DM168 is not on the shelves of your local store, please reach out to [email protected] and they’ll do their best to help you find a copy. DM

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