/ 8 August 1997

The best read in Africa

The Mail & Guardian can now back up its claim to be the newspaper with the most sought-after readers in South Africa. Statistics released this week by the All Media Products Survey (Amps) show the M&G has 81 000 readers and nearly half of them are black, with more professionals reading the paper than any similar product.

M&G readers are well-educated, younger and increasingly influential. The M&G has experienced a steady circulation rise – including a 12% increase on last year – against a decade of declining newspaper sales. It is the only truly free-spirited newspaper attracting readers in the new, and changing, South Africa. It has the most compelling opinion pages, the best breaking news and investigations, and unsurpassed African coverage and analysis

The face of the future is reflected this week in the new-look M&G, designed inside our own newsroom by Shaun de Waal. The new M&G has a classy make-over and a brand-new leisure section, Friday, stuffed full of the best arts, the most comprehensive and wittiest TV listings, and all the exhibitions and movies, and an unspoilt place or two.