Circulation Woes Reach beyond U.S

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DECLINING NEWSPAPER circulation was not endemic to the United States last year but struck most nations, especially those in the industrial world, according to the International Federation of Newspaper Publishers.

"Newspaper circulation, and particularly penetration, are down in a majority of countries, and this is now looking like a long term trend, especially in the more developed countries," said Timothy Balding, director general of the group, known by its French acronym, FIEJ.

Speaking at the organization's 48th World Newspaper Congress in Paris, he painted a rather somber picture of newspapers around the world, but especially in the developed nations, one of declining circulation, penetration and share of total advertising.

"Looking back, the nineteen eighties seem now like a Golden Age for newspapers," Balding said.

Between 1986 and 1990 …