The circulation of Bauer Consumer Media's Heat fell 11% year on year to 533,034, while its stablemate Closer shed 10.7% of its circulation, which has dropped to 548,594.
Agencies believe that the success of IPC's fashion and celebrity weekly Look, which at 305,603 has declined only 4.2% period on period, has contributed to the difficulties faced by Heat and Closer.
Clare Rush, head of press at Mediaedge:cia, said that Heat, which has invested heavily in its website and digital radio station, faces mounting competition. 'The popularity of social networks is having an impact on this market - Facebook and YouTube are snapping at the heels of celebrity weeklies,' she added.
There was good news for Northern & Shell, with OK!'s Jordan covers contributing to a huge 22.7% period-on-period rise in circulation to 683,451, overtaking Closer to take the top spot. Agencies say the publisher's investment in celebrity exclusives is key to the growth.
IPC's Now retained the number four spot, with a circulation of 470,290, falling 4.8% over the second half of 2007 and 12.9% year on year.
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