Metro US Readership Soars – Tops in Key Demos in Philadelphia, Boston and New York

Latest Research Shows Across the Board Growth for Metro US While Other Newspapers Face Challenges

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While America’s paid-for daily newspapers struggle in a fast-changing marketplace, research shows that Metro, the country’s number 1 free daily title, is bucking the trend, reporting stunning increases in its readership numbers.

“We are thrilled that Metro US’s hard work and dedication is paying off. Beyond distributing copies at the right time and place, our mission is to engage young, affluent people in a meaningful way that fits their busy urban life.”

The latest readership survey from Scarborough Research shows increases for Metro US in all three cities in which the paper is published. Metro US readership increased by 16% year over year to an all-time record of 1.3 million daily readers (2.5 million weekly) in three of the top 10 DMAs.

The survey reveals that Metro is the most read newspaper among employed adults aged 18-49 working or living in combined city centers: Manhattan, Boston Proper or Center City Philadelphia.

During the same period, main paid-for newspapers in Metro markets lost 6% of their weekday readers on average.

Metro launched in Philadelphia in 1999, followed by Boston in 2001, and New York in 2004. Despite industry-wide declines in advertising and readership, Metro continues to gain momentum.

“These smashing results further prove the success of Metro’s free daily newspaper model. What was once an implausible idea is now the future of newspaper publishing,” said Yggers Mortensen, Metro US Publisher and CEO. Tony Metcalf, Metro US Editor-in-Chief added: “We are thrilled that Metro US’s hard work and dedication is paying off. Beyond distributing copies at the right time and place, our mission is to engage young, affluent people in a meaningful way that fits their busy urban life.”

Scarborough confirms Metro readers’ attractive demographics. With a median age of 42 – ten years younger than average traditional newspaper readers – Metro is the youngest daily newspaper in each city where it is published. Metro US also boasts an audience of 74% employed readers and is 64% aged 18-49.

Metro US highlights from Scarborough (August 2011 – July 2012):

• Metro US has 1,290,591 daily readers and 2,468,778 weekly readers
• Metro New York is the #1 most read free daily newspaper in New York with 720,774 daily readers, up 17% year over year
• Metro Boston is the #1 most read daily newspaper with ages 21-44; daily readership increased by 10% year over year to 260,310 (adults 18+)
• Metro Philadelphia is the #1 most read daily newspaper with ages 21-44 in Philadelphia; daily readership increased by 20% year over year to 309,507 (adults 18+)

ABOUT METRO

Metro is a free daily newspaper published in more than 100 cities worldwide. Metro has global reach with local flavor — attracting a young, active, educated audience of over 20 million daily. Designed for a 20-minute read, Metro delivers news and entertainment to morning commuters Monday through Friday. Local, national and international news and colorful features are presented without bias, showcasing a proudly metropolitan attitude and style.

To learn more, visit: www.metro.us