Herbert W Armstrong

PLAIN TRUTH newsstand distribution has taken a quantum leap in the New York metropolitan area over the past few years! This major metropolitan area has the largest household count of any in the United States. And yet only recently have we been able to substantially penetrate this large market with the message of Christ's Gospel.

With the advent of the display island program in major commuter centers such as Grand Central Station, Penn Station, etc. and the supermarket program in over 500 stores throughout the area, thousands are now being given the opportunity to pick up, read and subscribe to The PLAIN TRUTH magazine. In 1984 alone, over 1.5 million copies were distributed in this eight­church region (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island East and West, Westchester, Middleton and Union).

To illustrate how penetration has increased, in 1980 the Manhattan Church area penetration stood at only 1%. Today it is close to 11%! In 1984, a handful of members in that one congregation alone distributed nearly 325,000 copies in supermarkets, Elson's Gift Shops and on the display islands. This one illustration is actually an example of what has been happening in many areas throughout the United States over the past few years. The Gospel is being preached more powerfully than at any previous time, thanks to the dedication of you church pastors and thousands of church members, and to the great God who makes it all possible.

PT Newsstand Growth Continues Amid Commercial Magazine Declines

Latest reports regarding consumer magazine sales indicate that over 58% of consumer magazines show a decline in newsstand circulation, and almost 40% show a loss in total circulation. Over half of the magazine industry reports that sales have declined. Surprisingly, magazines such as FAMILY CIRCLE, TV GUIDE, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING and LIFE all showed substantial newsstand declines in the latter part of 1984.

This all comes at a time when The PLAIN TRUTH has been growing steadily in total circulation, and has been increasing in newsstand distribution. Even though response for new subscriptions as a result of the newsstand edition was somewhat down for the last quarter of 1984, the first quarter of 1985 has indicated an upswing in newsstand responses.

— Ray Wright, Publishing Services