WebProNews

Online newspapers did well in the first quarter of this year, attracting 59 million people on average, setting a record that represents a 5.3 percent increase over last, year according to analysis from Nielsen//NetRatings for the Newspaper Association of America.

Visitors to newspaper Web sites generated close to 3 billion page views per month throughout the quarter, compared to fewer than 2.7 billion in the same time period last year. This year's first quarter numbers are the highest for any quarter since the NAA began following the figures in 2004.

"These record-setting numbers underscore newspapers' success in capturing online audiences and the importance of newspaper Web sites to the growing newspaper footprint," said NAA President and CEO John F. Sturm.

"Newspaper Web sites continue to grow audience and contribute to newspapers' broadening revenue streams.  In addition, the sites attract a younger, more affluent audience coveted by advertisers while providing a valuable service to readers seeking immediate information from a trusted local source."

Users are also spending more time at newspaper Web sites with the average visitor logging more than 45 minutes per month during the quarter, an 11.5 percent increase over the same time last year.

"The fact that more people are discovering the value of newspaper Web sites is a testament to the spirit of innovation embraced by newspaper companies that continually strive to meet evolving consumer demands," Sturm added.

Other records set were 3.1 billion page views for the month of January and March had more than 59.5 million people visit newspaper Web sites, the largest unique audience since the NAA began tracking these numbers.