In March 2005 Newsquest Essex commissioned NOP World, a leading research agency, to conduct a survey within the core coverage area of our flagship title in north Essex, the Gazette.

The research has given us an insight into the lifestyles, perceptions and desires of the people living within our target area as well as provide us with a true idea of who is reading the Gazette and why…

Key findings:

• 23% of the adult population within it's coverage area read a copy of the Gazette - that's an audience of over 54,000 adults per issue!

• Each copy of the Gazette is read by an average of 2.4 adults and our other title, the Essex County Standard is read by a staggering 3.3 adults.

• 112,000 adults read at least one copy of the Gazette each week - equating to nearly half of the population

• 83% of Gazette readers spend between 10 and 35 minutes reading each edition - an excellent indicator of the high level of reader interest.

• The majority of adults in the Gazette's footprint, rate it as the best paper for local news, community news and the finest for local sport - all much higher than any other paper.

• The majority of Gazette readers are happy with the way in which the newspaper produces sections and supplements including, Business News, Motoring and Homes & Gardens

• More adults would turn to the Gazette or Essex County Standard before any other newspaper for Property, Motors, Entertainments and Recruitment.

• The average distance people travel to shop for a large houshold item, an evening out or to travel to work is 10 miles

• However there is a high number of adults that'll travel in excess of 20 miles; 33,984 adults will travel more than 20 miles when shopping for a large household item, 36,861 for an evening out and 39,977 for work
  Source: NOP World/Based on all adults in the Gazette 10%+ are