The figure confirms a slowdown feared by DMGT since it said last December that the advertising outlook in 2005 would be "difficult to call". It remarked that its UK consumer-facing businesses have experienced further weakening since it last reported in May.
Ahead of its financial year end results on October 2, DMGT said ad revenues at its national newspapers division increased 1.7% over the last 11 months. While display ad revenues increased just 0.4%, classified ad revenues increased by 5.3%. Circulation revenues dropped by 1.6%.
Display ad revenues were down at The Mail on Sunday by 1.3%, but up at Metro by 19%. The Evening Standard saw a rise of just 0.2%.
"Retail and travel have enjoyed year-on-year increases, but both finance and motors have declined," the company said.
Classified performance was enhanced by websites, particularly Jobsite, which it acquired in March 2004.
DMGT said that increased colour and pagination on its newspapers since November had helped protect revenues.
At its Northcliffe Newspapers regional division, the performance of recruitment ad revenues was the worst experienced for 15 years. However, overall ad revenues were up 1.7% and circulation revenues were up 1.9%.
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