UK services output annual growth: publishing activities
UK services output annual growth: publishing activities stood at -0.3% in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1998 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services output, growth on a year earlier | |||||||||||
| 58 — Publishing activities | -0.3 | 4.9 | 2.9 | -0.3 | -1.6 | -1.2 | -4.1 | 1.3 | -4.6 | 1.7 | |
| 59 — Film, TV, sound recording and music publishing | 9.5 | -2.5 | -0.6 | 6.6 | -1.9 | -1.4 | -0.9 | 2.2 | 1 | -2.1 |
Understanding UK services output annual growth: publishing activities
Book publishers, newspaper houses, magazine editors, directory compilers, and software publishing firms contribute to the metrics compiled for the United Kingdom. This series measures the annual percentage change in real output value across publishing activities, spanning physical print media and digital software releases. It differs from broadcasting and film production by focusing on the creation, licensing, and dissemination of written content and packaged software.
Reading these statistics requires accounting for the structural shift from print subscriptions to digital licensing, which alters traditional seasonal sales patterns. Early estimates are subject to revision as publishers report actual advertising revenues and digital sales figures. Analysts should avoid direct comparisons with creative arts or manufacturing, as publishing output relies heavily on intellectual property transactions and subscription models.
Frequently asked questions
- Are video game publishers included in this category?
- Yes, software publishing encompasses the development and release of computer games alongside business applications.
- How does the decline of print media affect the index?
- Falling physical newspaper and magazine sales are counterbalanced in the data by the growth of digital subscriptions and online publishing.
- Does this cover printing services?
- No, physical printing and reproduction of recorded media are classified under manufacturing rather than publishing services.