72 percent rise in digital revenue for U.K.'s online publishers

A recent survey has found that the U.K.’s digital publishers can expect 72 percent growth in 2007, double what they were forecasting this time last year.

by Helen Leggatt

The survey was carried out by the U.K.’s Association of Online Publishers (AOP). The AOP represents around 160 of the U.K.'s largest online content producers, including the digital divisions of newspapers, magazines and broadcasters, such as the Guardian Media Group.

According to the data, collected from the 57 participating companies, U.K. digital publishers saw an average increase of 60 percent in turnover in 2006. The total turnover for the U.K. AOP's members rose to $1.1.billion from $682 million the previous year. This year publishers are forecast to see growth of around 72 percent.

"This is a remarkable set of figures. 2006 was a year of spectacular digital growth, innovation and investment by the UK's media industry - and our forecasts show there is no sign of this letting up,” said Simon Waldman, chairman of the AOP and group director of digital strategy, Guardian Media Group.

On average, 12 percent of AOP members’ overall revenue now comes from digital channels.

Three-quarters of online revenues came from advertising, with display contributing 59 percent, classified 16 percent and paid-for content (including syndication) 12 percent.

Online revenues from paid-content has increased 50 percent, with nearly half (46 percent) of AOP members charging for content, up from 37 percent in 2006.