Johnston Press plc is a major publisher of quality local newspapers and local internet sites, basing its publishing philosophy on local service to local communities.
Johnston Press publish local newspapers and internet sites produced by local teams of people who have a dedicated commitment to producing local news and information that both inform and reflect the important issues of the communities they serve, thus encouraging loyal, committed and valuable readers and internet users. 
There are over 140 markets, from St Andrews in Scotland to Portsmouth in Hampshire, and they are all very different. 

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 
Johnston Press plc, one of the leading regional media groups in the UK and Ireland, announces interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2006. 
KEY POINTS 20062005Change £m£m
Revenue 312. 2264.6+18.0%
Operating profit 99.4 93.0+6.9%
Profit before Tax 79.8 82.2-2.9%
Underlying earnings per share (note 7) 20.39p20.57p-0.9%
Interim Dividend 3.1p2.8p+10.7% 
• Operating profit before non-recurring items and associates rose 7.8% to a record £101.6m – operating margins on acquired businesses of 23.9% and on existing business of 35.0%. • Period characterised by sustained downturn in advertising revenues. Like-for-like advertising down 8.8% - print down 9.2%, digital up 13.4% • Like-for-like newspaper sales revenue grew by 1.9% • Strong progress in Digital Publishing – double digit revenue growth, page impressions up 52%, unique users up 65% • Excellent cost management protecting margins • Major capital investment programmes at Dinnington and Portsmouth on track and within budget at just over £100m. Sheffield Star already being printed at Dinnington. • Good progress on integration of acquisitions with each achieving earnings enhancing performance in the period OUTLOOK Chief Executive, Tim Bowdler, said: “The second half has started as the first half finished with no discernible improvement in advertising revenues. Our assessment of the underlying market conditions does not suggest any early recovery in revenue performance. The Group continues to maintain a tight control of costs and will benefit from the first full year contributions from the acquisitions made over the past 12 months. “With the steps we have taken in managing our cost structure and the clear strategy in serving local communities, we consider the Group to be well positioned for any recovery in the advertising cycle.” For further information please contact: Tim Bowdler, Chief Executive Officer or Stuart Paterson, Finance Director 020 7466 5000 (today) or 0131 225 3361 (thereafter) Richard Oldworth/ Suzanne Brocks Buchanan Communications 020 7466 500