DC THOMSON: AN APPROACH TO BUSINESS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC

By Alex Chapman.

DC Thomson Media, long standing partner of The Insert Company share a business update with Alex Chapman.

We are proud to have such a strong working relationship and affiliation with the DC Thomson (DCT) brand and Media in which we represent. They own some of the most iconic Newspapers and Magazines in Scotland including the Sunday Post, Aberdeen Press & Journal, Dundee Courier, The Peoples Friend and My Weekly; all with a substantially popular audience.

With the ongoing challenges that being a Media Owner presents, DCT continue to find new ways to offset print sales revenue decline, putting them at the forefront of the industry, even during a global pandemic. Not only have they recently acquired Aceville publications (34 niche National magazines and websites), they have also launched their own Radio station, Pure Radio, broadcasting across the heart of Scotland.

John Craig – Insert Manager at DCT has given us a useful insight into just some of their initiatives during these challenging times…

DC Thomson Newsbrands – Coronavirus-related help initiatives

DC Thomson Media and BT partnered on a new initiative to support the vulnerable in the lead up to Christmas. The initiative saw 25,000 copies of The Courier and The Press & Journal distributed free of charge to care homes and hospitals.

The Press & Journal also set up the “Connect at Christmas” campaign which focussed on Charities, Volunteers and groups working to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst all ages.

“Reading Between the Lines” Podcast launch

“The People’s Friend” has launched a brand new podcast series exploring the famous fiction in its Archives. 

In each episode of Reading Between the Lines”, the team from “The People’s Friend” will take a look back over 150 years of fabulous fiction to pick out a story to read, and then get together for a friendly chat about it. 

The podcast also features an exclusive theme tune which has been performed by Neil Brand, a regular presenter for BBC Four, silent film accompanist at London’s National Film Theatre, and a passionate advocate for Edwardian music. “The Dear Old People’s Friend”, which was written by readers for a competition in 1905, had never been recorded until now. 

“Newspaper Circulations remain stable”

“Recently published ABC figures for UK Regional Newspaper Titles show DC Thomson titles faring well once again, despite challenges in the marketplace as a result of Covid.

The Press & Journal is the highest selling regional daily in the UK, The Courier is third highest, and both The Evening Telegraph and The Evening Express are in the top ten. The Evening Express in Aberdeen now has 49% of its daily sale managed by DC Thomson’s in-house home news delivery team.”

“Journalism Oscars – Sunday Post nominated for award”

“The Sunday Post has been shortlisted at the prestigious UK National Press Awards for its campaigning journalism. Led by Chief Reporter Marion Scott, the Hear Our Voice campaign calling for the appointment of a Scottish Patients’ Champion has been shortlisted for Campaign of the Year. The Sunday Post is the only Scottish newspaper shortlisted in the Society of Editors’ Press Awards, considered the Oscars of British journalism, to be held digitally at the end of the month.” *(Source – dctmedia.co.uk)

The Insert Company are proud to work with and represent our publishing partners, and we love to learn and share the innovative ways companies are facing the recent challenges head-on to keep audience interaction and brand loyalty at their core.

To learn more about Insert opportunities across Scotland, contact the Insert Company team today.

Email: inserts@insertcompany.co.uk

Tel: 020 7832 1582

www.insertcompany.co.uk