HONG KONG, 28 November 2014 –

South China Morning Post, the flagship newspaper of the SCMP Group Ltd (SEHK: 583), has been recently named “No.1 Newspaper of the Year” in the Media Spend Benchmarking Survey, polled from hundreds of decision-makers in the advertising and marketing community in Hong Kong.

Conducted by Hong Kong-based Marketing Magazine, the annual online survey aims to understand which media platforms local advertisers and marketers value the most. Publications from the SCMP Group received top billing from industry insiders:

· #1 Newspaper of the Year – South China Morning Post

· #1 Women’s Magazine of the Year – Cosmopolitan

· #1 Men’s Magazine of the Year – Esquire

· #2 Women’s Magazine of the Year – ELLE Hong Kong

· #2 Wedding Magazine of the Year – Cosmopolitan Bride

· #3 Wedding Magazine of the Year – ELLE Wedding

“The rankings affirm the SCMP Group’s market leader position,” said Ms. Elsie Cheung, SCMP Group Chief Operating Officer. “The Media Spend Benchmarking Survey substantiates our publications’ impact and reach for advertisers to highlight their products and services to consumers. Being the best in their respective genres sends out a crystal clear message that our publications are the top choices for advertisers. We are very proud of our teams, and our continued standard of excellence.”

Over 400 advertising decision-makers and influencers from major and local international banks, property and construction, IT and telecommunication firms, FMCG, travel and tourism companies participated in the Media Spend Benchmarking Survey.

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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, mobile, tablets 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 over 160 awards in 2013-14 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capabilities. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, Nanzao.com (南早.com), Nanzaozhinan.com (南早香港指南.com), STYLE, 48 HOURS, Destination Macau, The PEAK, HK Magazine, The List, and Where Hong Kong.

Through the joint venture partnership with Hearst, SCMP Hearst publishes the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, CosmoBride, Harper’s BAZAAR, Harper’s BAZAAR Art, Harper’s BAZAAR Bride, Esquire, ELLE, ELLE Men, ELLE Wedding, ELLE Décoration, and ELLE Accessories; and operates Cosmopolitan.com.hk, Cosmogirl.com.hk, Harpersbazaar.com.hk, ELLE.com.hk and EsquireHK.com in Hong Kong.