Our 2025 report brings together results from 155 consumer magazine titles across 42 market sectors, published by 59 media owners. Over the year, more than 400 million print and digital copies were distributed to consumers - a powerful reminder of the continued scale and relevance of consumer media.
Key circulation trends
At an overall market level, headline average circulation rose modestly year on year, reflecting the growing role of digital alongside print. Among titles publishing in both formats, print circulation showed a gradual decline, while digital copies grew strongly, underlining the shift in how audiences access content. Subscriptions remain a critical route to market, accounting for over a third of total circulation, and actively purchased copies continue to provide a widely-used indicator of consumer commitment.
Why audited data matters
As ever, the detail matters. Performance varies widely by sector, by title and by distribution strategy, and it’s precisely this level of granularity that makes ABC data so valuable. Media buyers consistently tell us that audited, census-based data helps them sense-check other measurements, supports informed trading discussions and builds confidence in investment decisions.
Updated reporting standards
This year’s report also reflects the introduction of updated our Reporting Standards from January 2025, which ensure print and digital copies are treated equally. Where this has influenced headline figures, full transparency is maintained, with clear disclosure of how copies are distributed. The result is data that better reflects the latest delivery models while remaining trusted and comparable.
ABC’s role
We exist to provide the industry with independent, impartial and transparent measurement. The Consumer Media Report demonstrates the ongoing commitment from publishers to audited standards and provides buyers with the confidence they need to invest in consumer media.
By Simon Redlich, Chief Executive, ABC
