AFR To Be Available in Auckland and Wellington CBDs
before 9 am Monday-Friday
SYDNEY, September 25, 2002 – Fairfax Business Media, the business publishing unit of John Fairfax Holdings Limited [ASX:FXJ], announced today that The Australian Financial Review would be distributed in the Auckland and Wellington Central Business Districts (CBDs) on a same- day basis beginning Monday, October 21, 2002.
Mr Michael Gill, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Fairfax Business Media said:
“This is an important development for The Australian Financial Review. Auckland and Wellington are prime business markets and they should have unimpeded access to the leading business publication in Australasia, the AFR. We are delighted to extend our franchise to key audiences across New Zealand – business, financial services, legal, real estate, marketing and media, IT, executive management, and government and politics.
“The AFR has an outstanding reputation in New Zealand and an ardent, but limited following given that it is currently delivered at least one day late at NZ$7.50 per copy. We believe we have an audience eager to get the AFR in time for the beginning of every business day. With a cover price of $NZ3.00, our readers will enjoy a significant savings on the same- day AFR.
“The AFR will provide more in-depth coverage of the Australian and New Zealand share markets, more Australian and international articles, and valuable information for both business and career objectives for our New Zealand readers.
“New Zealand subscribers will also be able to take advantage of the premium services provided by afr.com, our comprehensive financial news and services website. Subscribers to the AFR obtain free access to afr.com, with all its features and breaking news services.”
Mr Fred Hilmer, CEO of Fairfax, said, “The AFR provides unparalleled knowledge and insights to business in Australia, and the strongest business coverage in the southern hemisphere to international business and economic issues. Given the close business ties between our two countries, we believe we are expanding our presence in the market at the right time and with an exceptional publication. This is a good development for Fairfax Business Media and for trans-Tasman trade and investment.”
Mr Gill said that the AFR would expand its coverage of New Zealand over time, given the growing importance of developments in New Zealand to Australian business.
Copies of The Australian Financial Review distributed in New Zealand will be printed in Auckland. The editions distributed in New Zealand will be identical to those sold in Australia, and will be counted in circulation audits for the AFR.
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for further information, please contact
Mrichael Gill, Fairfax Business Media +612 9282 2717
Bruce Wolpe, Fairfax, Corporate Affairs +612 9282 3640
