El País the only major daily paper to see growth

The newspaper El País consolidated its strong lead in March and was the only newspaper to see circulation increase, as compared to last year's figures. All other daily papers experienced significant falls. El País reported a circulation of 397,281 copies daily, 3% up over March 2010. This growth coincides with the coverage of major news events such as the tsunami in Japan and the wave of uprisings across the Arab world. Over the whole first quarter, the average daily circulation was 407,956 copies.

Even as El País sees a rise in circulation, according to data from the audit bureau, OJD, pending certification, its main competitors have seen circulation fall. PRISA's daily paper's lead over its nearest rival continues to widen (approximately 137,000 copies from Monday to Sunday).

Among the sports press, As is top of the league in Madrid and Barcelona with circulation at 190,580 copies. And among the business and finance press, Cinco Días has a circulation of 30,826.