Weekday circulation at US daily newspapers fell 8.7% year-over-year for the six-month period ending March 2010, according to data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Sunday circulation dropped 6.5%, according to the statistics, which were released April 26.
Among the nation’s 25 most read newspapers, the San Francisco Chronicle saw the steepest drop. Its 241,330 total paid circulation as of last month was a 22.68% drop from March 2009’s 312,118.
The Wall Street Journal saw the only year-over-year circulation gain of the top 25 newspapers. Its circulation increased 0.5%, to 2,092,523 from 2,082,189 during the 12-month period.
Meanwhile, The New York Times’ daily circulation fell to less than 1 million. It endured an 8.5% drop to 951,063 from 1,039,032. USA Today‘s circulation dropped 13.6%, to 1,826,622 from 2,113,725, while that of the Los Angeles Times fell 14.74% to 616,606 from 723,181. The Washington Post‘s circ declined 13% to 578,482 from 665,383, and the Chicago Tribune saw a 9.8% drop to 452,145 from 501,202.
The Naples Daily News‘ 21.8% rise in circulation led all newspapers.
