Lee Enterprises Inc. reported total digital revenue of $19.8 million for its fourth fiscal quarter, up 4.3% compared with the same quarter a year ago, which included the extra week of operations. On a comparable 13-week basis, total digital revenue increased 9.5% compared with the year-ago quarter.
Mobile advertising revenue hit $1.5 million, up 65.1% from the same period last year.
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Digital audiences continued to grow, the company said. Mobile, tablet, desktop and app page views increased 9.4% in September 2013 compared with a year ago to 209.1 million, and monthly unique visitors increased 2.7% to 23.2 million, according to Lee.
“Aggressive digital and subscription revenue and business transformation initiatives have enabled Lee to continue delivering strong, improving cash flow and rapid debt reduction," Mary Junck, chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "Our unmatched local news, information and advertising continue to drive huge print and digital audiences of all ages, adding to our optimism for continued success in 2014."
Debt was reduced by $26.0 million for the quarter and $98.4 million for the fiscal year to a balance of $847.5 million, a level two years ahead of its reorganization plan, the company said.
