Zimpapers’ audience surges 19 percent, amidst digital push

ZIMBABWE Newspapers (1980) Limited, the country’s largest diversified media group, recorded a notable 19 percent increase in total audience, reaching 11,3 million across all platforms in the quarter ending March 2025, compared to the same period last year. This growth aligns with the group’s robust digital transformation strategy.

The surge in audience figures follows the official launch of the group’s ambitious digital transformation initiative in December last year. The strategy is designed to modernise operations and deepen reader engagement in a rapidly evolving media landscape where digital consumption is becoming increasingly dominant.

In a trading update for the period under review, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr William Chikoto, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory and reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation.

“In line with the digitalisation thrust adopted by the company, there is heightened focus on its implementation to accelerate audience and revenue growth. This resulted in the company’s audience growing by 19 percent — from 9.5 million to 11.3 million — across all its media platforms compared to the same period last year,” said Mr Chikoto.

He noted that the Digital and Publishing Division led audience share at 54 percent, followed by the Radio Broadcasting Division (RBD) with 40 percent and Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), which contributed six percent.

Quarter-on-quarter, the group’s audience grew by eight percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting sustained momentum in digital engagement.

However, the update also highlighted mixed performance across divisions. The Commercial Printing Division recorded a 28 percent decline in volumes year-on-year, attributed to ageing equipment and stock procurement challenges.

“Plans are underway to assist the division with strategic stocks in the short term. The long-term solution will involve recapitalising the division through the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment,” said Mr Chikoto.

The Digital and Publishing Division experienced a 10 percent volume decline compared to the same period last year, with advertising and circulation falling by eight percent and 10 percent, respectively.

“This decline was attributed to customers migrating to digital platforms and the loss of advertisers in the manufacturing and retail sectors due to economic challenges. The business is currently introducing new revenue streams as a mitigatory strategy.”

The Broadcasting Division also experienced a 20 percent volume decline, largely due to reduced advertising spend. However, Mr Chikoto said the outlook remains positive.

“The situation is expected to improve from the second quarter as most of the business’s regular customers will be committing their campaigns based on approved budgets.”

For the quarter under review, Zimpapers recorded a turnover of ZWG150 million and a net loss before tax margin of 20 percent, compared to an eight percent loss margin in the same period last year. Mr Chikoto attributed the drag in performance largely to the television division, which is undergoing rationalisation.

Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, Mr Chikoto reaffirmed the group’s strategic direction.

“Despite global economic uncertainties characterised by trade disputes, fiscal policy adjustments and continued monetary policy tightening by the local central bank, the company remains optimistic about the future.

“It is steadfast in its commitment to implementing digital transformation strategies, aimed at delivering sustained long-term value to its stakeholders. To enhance shareholder value, the company is concentrating on volume recovery through diversified revenue generation initiatives and ongoing cost optimisation.”

Zimpapers operates 10 newspaper titles, four radio stations and one television station, ZTN. These include The Herald, The Chronicle, The Sunday Mail, The Sunday News, H-Metro, B-Metro, uMthunywa, Kwayedza and Suburban. The broadcasting portfolio comprises Star FM, Diamond FM, Nyaminyami FM and Capitalk FM.-herald