H. Bauer and Frontline, the Christmas Stars in RSV

16 February 2007

Figures released for December 2006 show that the TV listings market delivered stable sales and excellent retail sales value (RSV) over the crucial Christmas period.

H. Bauer Publishing had the strongest performance overall, seeing its circulation sales and RSV increase by 3.7% and 5.8% respectively.

TVChoice was the biggest single winner with both circulation and RSV up by 7% year-on-year.

At the premium end of the market Total TVguide also saw excellent growth with circulation increasing 4% year-on-year, and RSV up a huge 16% year-on-year.

This year was a particularly good one for Frontline. In addition to Bauer's success, Radio Times continued to dominate the market in RSV terms, delivering over twice that of its nearest competitor.

In total, the TV listings market this Christmas saw 8.6 million copies generating an RSV in excess of £11.5 million.

Liz Watkinson, Publishing Director of TVChoice, TVQuick and Total TVguide, says:

"Once again the paid for listings market has delivered an excellent performance over the Christmas period. Individual title performances aside, for the whole sector to hold copy sales and RSV steady in such a competitive environment says a great deal about the huge importance people attach to their favourite listings title at the time of year when they need the level of detail that just isn't found elsewhere."

For further information or images please contact Julia Toni on: 020 7241 8013 or by email: Julia.toni@bauer.co.uk