The national newspapers division, which publishes the Daily Mail and London Evening Standard, saw circulation revenues climb 2.4%. Total advertising revenues fell 1.7% despite a 28% rise in ad revenue at its daily freesheet Metro. Display advertising was down by 3.4%.
The group confirmed it is keeping an eye on developments at rival newspaper publisher the Telegraph Group, in case it is put up for sale.
However, if DMGT decided to bid for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, it would face a lengthy Competition Commission investigation. It will also be up against mid-market rival Express Newspapers proprietor Richard Desmond, who is aggressively pursuing the broadsheets.
DMGT's regional newspaper division Northcliffe Newspapers performed well this year. Circulation revenues were up 3% following cover price increases, and ad revenue growth of 3% was boosted by a 13% rise in property ads.
The company said in a statement that the new financial year had begun well, with national advertising up 1.7% in October on last year, but that it was "too early to call the turn in this market".
In the regional market, advertising grew 6% in October compared with 2002.
The revenues lost at its national newspapers were offset by a strong performance by the company's non-newspaper business, which accounts for 37% of the company's profits and includes its business-to-business services arm DMG Information.
The company also said it had reduced its debt to £873m, down £49m on 2002.
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