NNI Celebrates a Productive Year and Looks Ahead to 2014

NewsBrands Ireland has had a very productive year promoting newspapers in print and online, lobbying to secure the continuation of the lower VAT rate on newspapers and celebrating the best original newspaper journalism.

Latest Advertising Revenue Figures Indicate Recovery

After a difficult start to the year, a marked improvement in advertising revenue during the third quarter of 2013 has contributed to a strong January to September period for national newspapers.

Third quarter 2013 revenue is in line with the same period in 2012, a finding that is indicative of a recovery in the market. Based on these results, NewsBrands Ireland members are confident of a return to growth in 2014.

An Award-Winning Year

From the Press Ad of the Year Awards in March, to the Journalism Awards in November we have presented numerous awards to recognise the best work found amongst the pages of your newspapers.

We’ve also taken home a few awards of our own. Press Pass, educational initiative for school students was awarded a Gold award at this year’s Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) Awards.

At the Kinsale Shark Awards, our ‘7 Steps’ campaign, which encouraged the public to read the biggest news stories in their newspapers every day, took home an award in the Irish Print Category and the beautiful invitation for our Press Ad of the Year Awards was awarded in the Design category. Both pieces of work were created by Boys and Girls.

Welcoming the Retention of 9% VAT Rate

After a significant lobbying effort, NewsBrands Ireland welcomed the announcement that the 9 per cent VAT rate on newspapers is to be retained. Newspapers, as primary generators of news, provide a valuable public service that should not be overlooked. The Government’s decision to retain the reduced rate of VAT recognises the unique role played by newspapers in our democracy.

Embracing Change

Throughout the year, our initiatives have embraced change and recognised that news publishers are innovating across platforms to provide consumers with a richer, more varied experience than that was available just a few short years ago.

That trend is set to continue into the New Year and with the advertising revenue picture improving, we foresee a more positive 2014 ahead.

From everyone at NewsBrands Ireland, have a very happy Christmas. We look forward to working with you in the New Year.