L.A. Times circulation figures: Sunday up, daily down -- but overall, the best in 8 years

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Sunday circulation for the Los Angeles Times rose 0.7% for the six months ended March 31, from the same period last year, and daily circulation dipped 1.8%, according to figures released Tuesday.

The figures were the best results in eight years and represented an array of efforts, including improved promotion of local stories, implementation of new digital delivery platforms and enhanced programs to maintain and recruit readers, Times Publisher Eddy Hartenstein said in an email to the staff.

For the six-month period, Sunday circulation rose to 948,889 from 941,914 a year earlier. Daily circulation was 605,243, compared to 616,604 a year ago.

The Audit Bureau of Circulations, which gathers and releases the data industrywide, said comparisons between the two periods are imprecise because of adjustments in the way the data are collected and measured.

The circulation numbers come two weeks after The Times won two Pulitzer Prizes, including the prestigious public-service award for its coverage of the civic pay scandal in the city of Bell.

“Providing Southern California with vital news and information remains our mission,” Hartenstein said. “We are extremely proud of the numerous journalism awards we have received.”

-- Walter Hamilton