SCMP’s News Pulse keeps your finger on the pulse of Hong Kong

HONG KONG, 3 June 2013 –The South China Morning Post today announced the launch of their new SCMP News Pulse mobile app for iPhone and Android, which allows users quick and easy access to breaking and trending news.

The app enables users to filter news by type and by Most Viewed, Most Commented or Most Shared. It also contains the latest multimedia content including videos and photo galleries, plus a new feature called iScoop, which allows users to submit their own news stories, photographs and videos. The app also allows Twitter, Facebook and e-mail social sharing and commentary.

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www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

South China Morning Post launches Celebrating Hong Kong

HONG KONG, 31 May 2013 – The South China Morning Post announced the launch of “Celebrating Hong Kong” at a glittering party at Sotheby’s Gallery attended last night by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, former Chief Secretary and Acting Governor Sir David Akers-Jones and many of Hong Kong’s leading individuals.

The “Celebrating Hong Kong” movement was initiated by the South China Morning Post to mark the paper’s 110th Anniversary, which takes place on 6th November this year. It is a shared celebration of the city, and aims to boost positive energy and constructive dialogue through a series of editorial features, partnership activities, ambassadorial support, topical seminars and more.

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“South China Morning Post is joining hands with the people of Hong Kong to raise awareness of and take pride in what’s great about our city and our people”, said Robin Hu, Chief Executive Officer of South China Morning Post. “From our city’s culture, heritage and rich traditions to its pillars of the community, “Celebrating Hong Kong” is our way of saying we love and believe in our city.”

An important part of the “Celebrating Hong Kong” initiative is the breadth of support it has garnered from influential individuals and companies. Committed partners include Lane Crawford, MTR, Ecovision, DHL, Agnes b, G2000, Sotheby’s, Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cathay Pacific, Hang Seng Bank, PwC and many more. Each of the participating partners will implement a programme of their own to support the Celebrating Hong Kong theme.

Influential individuals who have accepted a role as an Ambassador for the initiative include Benjamin Hung, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong, Jay Walder, CEO of MTR, Adrian Cheng, Executive Director of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd, Olympic cyclist Sarah Lee-Wai Sze, Chairman of Ocean Park, Allan Zeman, Pansy Ho Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings, Professor Tsui Lap-Chee Vice Chancellor and President University of Hong Kong and the youngest ambassador, Kenny Lau, who is an accomplished child artist, aged 7.

The South China Morning Post have an extensive plan of editorial features scheduled throughout the year, from stories of kindness and acts of humanity, to feats of engineering and other achievements, and features on treasured Hong Kong traditions and destinations.

“As Hong Kong’s trusted and authoritative English daily, our role in supporting Celebrating Hong Kong as its leading media voice is a responsibility we are proud to take on,” said SCMP Editor-in-Chief Wang Xiangwei. “We aim to tell the story of the best of Hong Kong – past, present and future; from the things we appreciate but take for granted to the inspiring individuals that have been overlooked. These things deserve to be recognized and reported on.”

Further to the editorial coverage, South China Morning Post will be launching a series of activities to support Celebrating Hong Kong from June through to December and beyond, including:
Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, scheduled for December
Redefining Hong Kong Speaker Series, July to December
Celebrating Hong Kong Charity Auction, scheduled for early 2014

“The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards celebrates the individuals and groups that represent the very best of our city, but who have not had the attention they deserve. These are those that have set positive examples through their selfless acts, their hard-working contributions to society, and their heartwarming stories of achievement against the odds” said Sir David Akers-Jones, who will chair an esteemed judging panel for the awards.

The Redefining Hong Kong debate series features seminars and conferences hosted by South China Morning Post and industry leaders. The debate series focuses on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Hong Kong, from its role as a gateway to China, a panel chaired by Benjamin Hung, Standard Chartered’s CEO, to “The construction of a greener, more livable city“, a panel chaired by Paul Zimmerman, District Councillor. A further debate on “Hong Kong’s Path to 2017” will be chaired by the Hon. Ronald Arculli, (former Legislative Council and Executive Council member and former Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd).

The Celebrating Hong Kong Charity Auction, which will be held early in 2014, will be a culmination of the SCMP’s Celebrating Hong Kong activities. Kevin Ching, CEO of Sotheby’s remarked “Sotheby’s is proud to support this meaningful auction, which will comprise inspiring works from international and local artists and designers around the theme of Celebrating Hong Kong,”

Proceeds from the auction will support the Celebrating Hong Kong charity fund which has selected three highly respected local charities addressing age and poverty issues: Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, St James’ Settlement and the Society for Community Organisation.

Robin Hu remarked. “In celebrating Hong Kong we must also recognise that there are many with much less to celebrate. These people deserve the kindness and charity of others, and we hope this auction will go some way to addressing the imbalance.”

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

SCMP appoints new business editor

HONG KONG, 16 May 2013 – The South China Morning Post is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Edwards as the new Business Editor, reporting directly to Wang Xiangwei, Editor-in-Chief.

Nick Edwards will lead a team of more than 30 journalists focus on covering every aspect of business in Hong Kong and China. Edwards’ brief is to break news and provide sharp analysis to give SCMP readers fresh perspective on the most important business stories of the day.

“At a time when China and its economy take an increasingly dominant role on the global stage, reporting and analysing how China ticks is more important than ever,” said SCMP Editor-in-Chief Wang Xiangwei. “Nick, who joins us fresh from Beijing where he was Chief Economics Correspondent for Reuters, will be able to step right in to lead our coverage of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies.”

Edwards has been writing about Asia’s influence on the global economy since 1996 when he joined Reuters in Singapore. He moved to Hong Kong as chief investment correspondent in 1999 and then to London in 2003 to lead coverage of European investment markets. Followed by assignments as treasury news editor for Europe, Middle East and Africa and economics editor for Reuters TV, before he moved to Beijing in 2011.

Nick Edwards: “Most of my career has been Reuters where I have been involved in the biggest stories in global economics. Of course, one of the biggest of those stories has been the impact of China on the rest of the world.”

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

SCMP to acquire Asia City Media Group’s Hong Kong business

HONG KONG, 3 May 2013 – The SCMP Group Ltd (SEHK: 583) today announced that it is acquiring the Hong Kong business of Asia City Media Group Ltd, including HK Magazine, Where Hong Kong, Where Chinese玩, and The List, as well as a number of mobile and web products.

Completion of the acquisition is scheduled to take place in early July 2013, and will bring into the SCMP Group additional well-established titles to expand its portfolio in Hong Kong. The SCMP Group’s flagship title, South China Morning Post, is the city’s leading English language newspaper and is now celebrating its 110th anniversary.

The move follows SCMP Group’s acquisition last year of the Hong Kong Chinese language edition of Elle from Hearst Corporation, which gave a further boost to the existing market leading portfolio of Chinese language women’s magazines.

Asia City’s dominant title, HK Magazine, has been established in Hong Kong since 1991, and is the leading English language leisure and lifestyle free distribution magazine in the city. The List is an English language free distribution pocket sized city guide and directory. Where Hong Kong and Where Chinese 玩 are handy tourist information guides. Other products in the Asia City portfolio include the HK Magazine website, The List website, HK Magazine Tablet app and the Happy Hour Finder app.

SCMP Group advised that the Hong Kong business of Asia City will continue to manage its titles and businesses independently, with the added benefit of larger group operational expertise, synergies and resources. A board of directors comprising a number of SCMP Group senior executives has been appointed to support and oversee the overall business direction.

Mr Robin Hu, SCMP Group’s Chief Executive Officer remarked, “This move is a very natural fit for our two companies. We have a lot of common ground in our target audiences and advertisers, and Asia City’s Hong Kong portfolio helps our group to broaden our base and enhance our lifestyle offerings. We are excited to bring this passionate and energetic team into our family, and look forward to learning from each other.”

Mr Greg Crandall, who has been with Asia City Media Group for over 10 years, will continue in his position as Country Manager. Mr Crandall remarked, “We are very excited about joining the SCMP Group. We are a fast and innovative team with great brands and an extremely loyal readership. This acquisition gives our company an even stronger position to grow and expand as we leverage the strength and resources of the SCMP.”

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

About Asia City Media Group Ltd and HK Magazine

Asia City Publishing Group was established in Hong Kong in 1991 and is one of the region’s largest lifestyle media companies with additional operations in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.

The group also publishes HK Magazine, The List, I-S Magazine, BK Magazine, WHERE Hong Kong, WHERE Chinese 玩, WHERE Singapore, WHERE Thailand and WHERE Guestbooks.

HK Magazine is Hong Kong’s leading lifestyle magazine. In 2011 HK Magazine was voted Lifestyle Magazine of the Year by Marketing Interactive, Marketing Magazine. Over the past two decades, HK Magazine has built a loyal and high-end reader demographic, by providing a trusted source of information for city lifestyle news and views, and maintaining a strong city presence through its strategic print distribution locations and online channels. HK Magazine‘s free tablet app is available on iTunes Store and Google Play Store and has recently been awarded the Asian Publishing Awards Best Publishing App.

SCMP wins four top INMA Awards 2013

HONG KONG, May 3, 2013 – The South China Morning Post picked up four top prizes at the INMA Awards 2013, including three first prize awards and a second prize award, at an award ceremony held in the presence of 300 international news industry guests earlier this week in the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York.

South China Morning Post was one of only four companies to pick up multiple first place awards. The marketing campaign for “SCMP – Re:born” was placed first for the category of New Brand/Product/Audience Development; first for the Print and Digital Subscription Sales category; and second in the Marketing Campaign with the Best Results category. In this category, SCMP’s “LuxeWatches App” campaign took the first place.

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INMA Awards is an annual competition held since 1935, to honour the best marketing campaigns by news media companies. The International News Media Association (INMA) Awards are judged by a global panel of executives in the media and advertising communities in 13 countries. This year saw a total of more than 500 entries from nearly 150 market leading news media companies in 30 countries.

“We are very honoured to be given such important global recognition” said Robin Hu, Chief Executive Officer, SCMP Group. “It’s important that our readers and advertisers enjoy the quality of our newspapers, and that includes the quality of our own marketing.”

Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA, was complimentary about the quality of the entries in this year’s competition. He remarked “This year’s winners truly capture the spirit of the news industry’s transformation from print to multi-media, punctuated by outstanding ways of growing revenue, audience, and brand through creative marketing.”

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

SCMP wins five human rights press awards

HONG KONG, April 19, 2013 – The South China Morning Post announced that it has won five awards at the 17th annual Human Rights Press Awards.

The Human Rights Press Awards were established by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Journalists Association and Amnesty International Hong Kong to recognise outstanding reporting in the area of human rights.

A total of eight journalists were credited for their work. In the general news section of the awards, Merit Awards went to Simpson Cheung for his coverage of the July 1 march, and to Joanna Chiu, K.Y. Cheng and Verna Yu in the newspaper feature section. Cartoonist Harry Harrison and photojournalists Dickson Lee, Cheng Kuk Yin and Felix Wong also received merit awards.

“We are very proud that our reporters and photographers have been honoured for their work in these internationally recognised awards,” said Editor-in-Chief, Wang Xiang Wei. “We have been participating in these awards since the beginning and each year we garner a clutch of awards for our consistent record of covering human rights issues in Hong Kong and the region.”

He continued, “As well as congratulating the winners, we would like to thank the judges for not only recognising the outstanding work of our reporters, photographers and editors,” said “But also for recognising the South China Morning Post’s commitment to quality journalism in its coverage of Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta and China.”

The awards, which are open to Hong Kong and Macau-based journalists and foreign correspondents working in Asia, saw 368 entries, a significant increase from the 226 entries the previous year. There were 110 English entries, 180 Chinese entries and 78 photography entries. The stories entered covered issues not only in Hong Kong, but also from across the Asian and South Asian regions. More than 1,000 journalists and news organisations from around the world have competed in the awards since their inception.

This year’s awards hosted guest speaker, Martin Lee Chu-ming, founding chairman of the Democratic Party, whose speech revisited the history of 1984’s Joint Declaration which provided the blueprint for the subsequent Basic Law.

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

SCMP launches 48 Hours, the ultimate Weekend guide

HONG KONG, April 17, 2013 – The South China Morning Post announced today the launch of 48 Hours, their brand new weekly guide dedicated to weekend pursuits, which debuts tomorrow, Thursday 18th April.

The magazine covers a wide spectrum of daytime and night-time activities from energetic outward bound pursuits such as surfing and hiking, to the indoor pleasures of shopping, food and wine, film, music, theatre and other arts, culture and entertainment.

Packed with previews of upcoming performances, exhibitions and live gigs, independent reviews on the arts, film, food and wine, plus exclusive interviews and tips on the latest trends and gadgets, 48 Hours carries SCMP’s signature quality editorial to ensure the well-informed Hong Kong worker-bee can plan a worthwhile weekend.

“48 Hours is Hong Kong’s authoritative guide to what’s new and happening in town; where to be, what to wear and where to buy it,” said Kevin Kwong, the magazine’s Editor. “SCMP readers want to be well-informed and make the most of their hard-earned spare time. This is an exciting new source of information, with up-to-date insights, fascinating and authoritative perspectives, as well as quick and useful tips and listings.”

Tomorrow’s launch issue of 48 Hours puts the spotlight on four second generation celebrities, who demonstrate how they’re carving their own niche in this dynamic city. Model/actress Jennifer Tse Ting-ting, (sister of Nicholas Tse Ting-fung), singer Joyce Cheng, (daughter of Adam Cheng Siu-chow and the late Lydia “Fei Fei” Shum Tin-ha), actor/ director Derek Tsang Kwok-cheung (son of actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai) and actor Timmy Hung Tin-ming (son of Sammo Hung Kam-bo) talk exclusively to 48 Hours about their childhood and plans for the future.

Other features in the inaugural edition include a look at the blossoming art landscape of Wong Chuk Hang and an exclusive interview with German electro-pioneers, Kraftwerk, who were banned from performing on the mainland, and are soon bringing their 3-D concert to Hong Kong.

“With tomorrow’s launch of 48 Hours – on top of our recently launched STYLE magazine, the SCMP is redefining how readers experience Hong Kong’s culture, lifestyle and entertainment,” said Cliff Buddle, South China Morning Post’s Special Projects Editor and Head of Culture Desk.

48 Hours will target professionals and the fun-loving weekend crowd through complimentary in-newspaper distribution every Thursday with the South China Morning Post. Those who miss Thursday’s free copy can pick up the magazine for $18 at a number of distribution channels including key newsstands and selected Circle K, 7-Eleven and VanGo.

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

For media queries please contact:

Jennifer Shay
Head of PR and Corporate Communications / South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
Email: [email protected] / +852 2680 8132 Direct
Website: www.scmpgroup.com

A hundred ways to dine well in great company – South China Morning Post publishes “100 Top Tables 2013”

HONG KONG, April 2, 2013 – – The South China Morning Post has launched its inaugural issue of 100 Top Tables 2013, a definitive chief executives’ guide to the best restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau for entertaining clients. The 100 selected restaurants were also presented with a special certificate of recognition for their exceptional cuisine and venue.

“The guide provides a comprehensive list of select places where top executives can entertain not only important clients, but also have a relaxing evening with friends. These selections were made not only with just the food in mind but also creativity and the total dining experience,” said Winnie Chung, Chief Editor, Specialist Publications.

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“The range of different cuisines covered here, including Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and other European choices, is a true reflection of the gastronomical paradise that Hong Kong is. We are often spoilt for choice and, so, we hope that this guide will make life a little simpler for our busy executives.”

“The SCMP takes great pride in this inaugural guidebook to high-end dining in Hong Kong and Macau,” said Sophia Yu, Director, Advertising & Marketing Solutions. “With this extensive information now at their fingertips, I am confident that our discerning decision-makers will find this an invaluable tool for their entertaining purposes.”

“To be selected as one of the 100 Top Tables 2013 is considered by the participating restaurants as a great honour and it also provides them with an excellent opportunity to market to potential high-end customers.”

The 100 Top Tables 2013 will be distributed direct to SCMP subscribers as well as through retail outlets, Asian airport lounges, airport stores and Pacific Coffee outlets.

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

For media queries please contact:

Jennifer Shay
Head of PR and Corporate Communications / South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
Email: [email protected] / +852 2680 8132 Direct
Website: www.scmpgroup.com

SCMP Group Announces 8% Increase in Revenue, Exceeding HK$1Billion for First Time Since 2008

Hong Kong, March 25, 2013 – SCMP Group Ltd (SEHK: 0583) announced today financial results for the year ended 31st December 2012.

Group revenue rose 8% from $946.1million in 2011 to $1019.6million in 2012, driven largely by new revenue sources, including the newly acquired Elle magazine and the contract printing opportunity, and higher revenue contribution from the Magazine publishing business.

Net profit attributable to shareholders declined by 20% from $409.9million to $329.1million, with profit and earnings from normal operations largely impacted by increased investment in new digital products, as well as the increase in costs associated with the new Elle acquisition and the new contract printing business.

The largest revenue source (76%) continues to be the newspaper publishing business, which remained steady at $773.6million compared to $779.2million in 2011. However, net profit declined by 19% to $97.5million in 2012 from $120.5million in 2011, again due to an increase in costs and investments.

The Magazine publishing business grew with the acquisition of Elle Magazine and its related products, and continued growth in the existing products Cosmopolitan, CosmoGirl! and Harper’s Bazaar. Net profit from the Magazine publishing business increased 23% from $30.3million to $37.3million.

Excluding fair value gains on investment properties of $170.7million and $237.7million for 2012 and 2011 respectively, net profit from normal operations decreased 8% from $172.2million to $158.4million in 2012.

Earnings per share for 2012 was 21.1cents, reflecting a 20% decrease from 26.3cents in 2011. Final dividend payable per share was 4.5 cents, increased 13% as compared to 4.0 cents in 2011.

Dr. David Pang, Chairman for SCMP Group, commented, “We’ve been operating in a changing media economy, which has been impacted by a reduction in IPOs, a quiet recruitment sector and lackluster property market as a result of recent market cooling regulations by the Government. All of these had an impact on traditionally important revenue sources for the South China Morning Post. However, we have been able to mitigate that impact by maintaining a solid overall newspaper publishing business and the realization of new revenue from our investment in Elle. During the year, we have also built a new contract printing business, a suite of enhanced digital products, a strengthened talent pool and continue to look out for valuable business to reinforce our capabilities in the publishing business. We believe our investments made in the past year will further strengthen our business in the years to come, and remain positive about our ability to deliver value and performance in line with the Hong Kong economy in the coming year.”

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

For media queries please contact:

Jennifer Shay
Head of PR and Corporate Communications / South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
Email: [email protected] / +852 2680 8132 Direct
Website: www.scmpgroup.com

South China Morning Post wins 11 honours at 2012 Hong Kong News Awards

HONG KONG, March 13, 2013 – The South China Morning Post won 11 prizes at the 2012 Hong Kong News Awards, announced yesterday.

China reporter Minnie Chan and business news editor Denise Tsang swept top prizes in the best news and business writing in English, respectively, while reporter Charlotte So won second runner-up for best business news writing in English.

Chan won for her feature on a multi-level marketing scheme critics call pyramid selling, while Tsang was honoured for her report on the changes in the Pearl River Delta’s labour market, seen through the eyes of a migrant worker journeying back home.

In the best business news reporting category, five reporters – Sandy Li, Peggy Sito, George Chen, Paggie Leung and Niall Fraser – won second runner-up for their series on the arrest of Kwok brothers of Sun Hung Kai Properties.

The photography team pocketed four out of five awards for sports photography, including winner, first runner-up, second runner-up and merit 1.

Felix Wong Chi-keung won the sports category with his picture of star hurdler Liu Xiang crashing into the first hurdle in his 110m hurdles heat at the London Olympics.

Sam Tsang Kwok-chung won first runner-up with a picture of swimmers warming up before the New World Cross Harbour Race at Lei Yue Mun. He also won second runner-up for a photograph of fighters Alex Niu and Luke Jumeau in a match at the Legend Championship 10.

Cheng Kok-yin received merit 1 honours in the sports category, and Tsang also won second runner-up for news photography.

For the best headlines in English, Richard Kirk took the first runner-up prize for “A call to alms”, while Bonny Schoonakker took second runner-up for “Of all the things on Patten’s plate, lunch came first”.

“I am very proud that once again, the outstanding work of our reporters, photographers and editors have been recognised by their peers in Hong Kong,” said editor-in-chief Wang Xiangwei. “The Post continues to deliver excellent coverage of news about the city, the Pearl River Delta and China.”

The awards were hosted by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong.

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About SCMP Group Ltd and South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s internationally recognised English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership.

First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Available in print, iPad™ and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received 64 awards in 2012 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For more information, please visit us at www.scmpgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

[email protected]

For media queries please contact:

Jennifer Shay
Head of PR and Corporate Communications / South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
Email: [email protected] / +852 2680 8132 Direct
Website: www.scmpgroup.com