Figures just released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) indicate of an improving outlook for the UK consumer magazine sector.

Total magazine circulation for ABC-audited titles reporting in the first half of 2010 increased by 0.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2009. This follows a robust performance in the previous period, where total magazine circulation fell by just 1.3 per cent year-on-year.

The results underline the continued high level of consumer demand for magazines in the face of both economic pressures and the availability of an increasing array of media choices.

A number of magazine sectors have shown impressive year-on-year gains. In particular, the women’s lifestyle/fashion sector registered growth of 14.6 per cent.

News and current affairs titles also posted strong ABC results, with increases in the Science, Business & Finance and Domestic sub-sectors of 6.9 per cent, 5.5 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively.

The Home Interest sector also enjoyed a positive result with an overall year-on-year rise in circulation of 2.9 per cent for the period.

Barry McIlheney, chief executive of the Periodical Publishers Association, said: "This is an encouraging set of results that reaffirms the popularity of magazines among consumers. Through continued innovation, magazines have shown their ability to really engage readers and provide a powerful platform for advertisers."