NEW YORK, April 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Wall Street Journal continues to see a strong increase in individually paid circulation and is the only U.S. newspaper among the top 25 to show growth in total circulation. The Journal's individually paid circulation grew by more than 2.8%, as filed with the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), subject to audit, released today.

This is the fourth consecutive period of individually paid growth for the Journal, an increase of more than 12.8% since March 2005. Consistent with the Journal's strategy of focusing on the highest quality circulation, other paid circulation was reduced by more than 22% over the past year, while revenue per subscriber grew 13% over the same six month reporting period. Electronic editions, as counted by ABC, rose 8.8% to 383,199. Total average paid circulation grew 0.6% to 2,082,189 from 2,069,463 year-over-year.

Over the past year the Journal has made investments in its print and online products to provide subscribers with greater value. These investments include: expanded coverage of U.S., political and international news, additional editorial pages, additional WSJ.com global editions, and new products, such as the WSJ Mobile Reader application for the Blackberry and iPhone, WSJ., the Journal's glossy magazine, and a redesigned WSJ.com.

"These results confirm subscribers continue to recognize the increasing value of their Journal subscription, especially as other newspapers reduce coverage and distribution during this turbulent economic downturn," said Paul Bascobert, chief marketing officer, Dow Jones & Company's Consumer Media Group. "The Journal continues to invest in our products, delivery platforms and news coverage to serve our readers and build our engaged audience for advertisers."

"There is no doubt that, across platforms and around the world, the quality of Wall Street Journal journalism is being recognized by readers," said Robert Thomson, managing editor of The Wall Street Journal and editor-in-chief of Dow Jones & Company. "That is reflected in the strength of our U.S. print circulation and the vast increase in our digital audiences, ranging from our iPhone application to our Chinese language website. While other news organizations are flailing and foundering, the Journal is increasing its reach and influence."

About The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal, the flagship publication of Dow Jones & Company, is the world's leading business publication. Founded in 1889, The Wall Street Journal has a print and online circulation of more than 2 million, reaching the nation's top business and political leaders, as well as investors across the country. Holding 33 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism, The Wall Street Journal provides readers with trusted information and knowledge to make better decisions. The Wall Street franchise has more than 700 journalists world-wide, part of the Dow Jones network of nearly 1,800 business and financial news staff. Other publications that are part of The Wall Street Journal franchise, with a global audience of 3.8 million, include The Wall Street Journal Asia and The Wall Street Journal Europe. The Wall Street Journal Online at WSJ.com is the largest paid subscription news site on the Web with 10.9 million users each month. In 2008, the Journal was ranked No. 1 in BtoB's Media Power 50 for the ninth consecutive year. The Wall Street Journal Radio Network services news and information to more than 350 radio stations in the U.S.

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