Magazine and Directory Publishing in Australia - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

New issue: Despite niche market gain, directory publishing's demise headlines the industry's descent

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

The internet's increasing importance has been challenging for magazine and directory publishers. Revenue is expected to drop at an annualised 10.7% over the five years through 2022-23, to $722.6 million. This trend includes an 8.3% fall in 2022-23, as growth in online platforms, and the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets have changed how consumers access content. Demand for telephone directories has plummeted as consumers have increasingly used search engines and online directories to find information. Competition from digital content providers, social media platforms and other online media has taken away advertising revenue from printed publications. The circulation numbers of Australia's most popular mastheads have fallen over the period, further encouraging downstream media buying agencies to purchase advertising space elsewhere.

Industry players primarily publish magazines, directories, mailing lists and periodicals. Magazine and periodical publishers are included in the industry if they generate most of their revenue by selling printed publications and the advertising space within them. The industry excludes publishers that operate exclusively online, but includes online revenue from publishers that print physical publications.