The latest membership survey from the UK Association of Online Publishers, the AOP Census 2007, found that digital now contributes an average of 12 percent of members’ overall revenue. Total turnover for AOP members’ digital operations increased to £575m, up from £344m the previous year. Advertising contributes the largest share of online revenue for digital publishers at 75 percent. Display advertising (including sponsorship) contributes 59 percent of overall income, classifieds contribute 16 percent, and paid-for content (including syndication) contributes 12 percent of revenues. Revenue from paid-for content increased by 50 percent in 2006. Nearly half (46 percent) of AOP members charge for content, up from 37 percent in 2006.

AOP members employ nearly 8,000 individuals in the digital side of their businesses, with 540 new jobs created in the last year alone by AOP members. Publishers see broadband, mobile (and wireless) and communities as the biggest opportunities for the industry in 2007. The biggest threats identified were the number of new competitors, security, and Government/legal restrictions. http://www.ukaop.org.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/research/article.html?uid=1423; April 23, 2007