Houston Chronicle Media Group shows continued audience gains in print, digital platforms

HOUSTON, April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Houston Chronicle Media Group (HCMG) continues to expand its print and digital product portfolio, the company welcomed significant audience growth over the last six months, according to figures released today by the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM).

The report, which covers the six-month period ending March 31, 2013, shows a total average Sunday circulation of 1,042,389 for all editions, up 19.2 percent from the previous six-month period ending September 30, 2012.  Total average daily circulation for all editions was 360,254, up 10.6 percent.

Compared to AAM's September 2012 report, total average circulation for the Sunday Houston Chronicle increased four percent to 502,698, and average daily Houston Chronicle circulation increased 2.3 percent to 333,576.

Additionally, monthly unique visitors to chron.com were up 107 percent year-over-year.  Chron.com averaged more than 15.3 million unique visitors and 81 million page views per month during the six-month period reporting period. 

This growth has resulted in a combined weekly audience reach of 3.3 million Houstonians across all brands and platforms, 71 percent of the greater Houston area.

"Every week, 7 out of 10 Houstonians engage with at least one of our publications, whether it's our flagship products, the Houston Chronicle newspaper and website chron.com, the new premium website HoustonChronicle.com, our community news publications, or the Spanish-language newspaper and website La Voz," Houston Chronicle Publisher Tom Stephenson said.

Aggressive fourth quarter expansions helped further elevate the HCMG's market presence.  La Voz Spanish language newspaper was redesigned and distribution increased to more than 165,000 households.  During this same period La Voz launched a new website, LaVozTx.com, which currently generates over 100,000 unique visitors per month, and continues to grow an average rate of 4.1% visitors per month.

The Star Access membership program also launched during the fourth quarter of 2012 offering eligible customers access to exclusive premium content across multiple platforms and formats, as well as VIP access to special events and discounts.  "Over 35,000 Star Access members have already registered on our new premium website, HoustonChronicle.com, which is generating more than 650,000 site visits per month," said VP of Marketing & Audience Development, Linda Schaible.

The combination of increased market presence and the growth of a vibrant social media environment, coupled with the unrelenting innovation of our media products across devices, continue to make the Houston Chronicle Media Group uniquely positioned to host the conversations and marketplaces of this dynamic city.

Contact:
Pam Kehoe | Houston Chronicle | 713.362.6038| [email protected]

About Houston Chronicle Media Group

The Houston Chronicle, the largest newspaper in Texas and the nation's sixth-largest newspaper, has evolved into a multi-media company producing a portfolio of print and online products serving the diverse audiences within Houston, in English and Spanish.  As part of its core product portfolio, Houston Chronicle Media Group (HCMG) creates unique community and Hispanic experiences through its Ultimate Community News publications, serving eleven distinct areas in and around Houston, and La Voz, serving as a key source of local news for Houston Hispanics.  In addition to its core product portfolio, HCMG reaches key Houston growth audiences with specialized publications including HealthZone, bringing comprehensive health technology news to the healthcare industry monthly and FuelFix, a daily news gathering organization and publication providing analysis and perspective to the energy sector.

The Houston Chronicle is owned by the Hearst Corporation. Follow the Houston Chronicle on Twitter at @Houstonchron

SOURCE Houston Chronicle Media Group