The Independent: Highest sales for three years

The Independent has recorded its highest monthly circulation figures for three years. Audited figures for October, released yesterday, show The Independent's daily sale has risen to 240,272, the highest level since November 1997.

The Independent has recorded its highest monthly circulation figures for three years. Audited figures for October, released yesterday, show The Independent's daily sale has risen to 240,272, the highest level since November 1997.

The October figure also represents a rise of 5.7 per cent on the previous month and an increase of 4.2 per cent on the same period last year. The Independent is alone among national broadsheet newspapers in registering month-on-month and year-on-year increases. The paper's share of the broadsheet market is, at 10.12 per cent, also the highest for three years.

The Independent on Sunday's circulation hit a three-year high in October, rising to 270,640. This was an increase of 11.6 per cent on the previous month and 3.0 per cent up on October 1999.

Terry Grote, managing director of both papers, said yesterday: "These figures show the progress made since Independent News and Media took control of the titles in March 1998. We are delighted that the continuing investment in the papers is being reflected in rising circulation and highly encouraging readership figures."