UK publisher Trinity Mirror said today it expects first-half advertising revenue to decline by 0.4 per cent this year in a challenging advertising climate.
The company, owner of the Daily Mirrortabloid, had previously warned of softening ad revenues in March and April. It said advertising revenue at its national titles is expected to decline by 5.3 per cent, including a 7 per cent fall at national UK titles such as the Mirror.
A number of UK media companies from newspapers to television to radio have warned of worsening advertising conditions over the past several months, as falling consumer confidence has forced marketers to cut back on spending.
The company's regional newspaper division is expected to see ad revenue growth of 1.4 per cent in the 26 weeks to July 3rd.
Trinity Mirror's circulation revenue is expected to increase by 3.1 per cent, with regionals up 5.2 per cent and national papers up 1.9 per cent.
The company declined to discuss a report in The Timesnewspaper that it had rejected a £700 million to £800 million offer for the Mirror newspapers from conference organiser Marcus Evans.
“There are no discussions or negotiations regarding the sale of any of our national titles,” a spokeswoman said.
A spokesman for Mr Evans declined to comment