Speculation around the delayed Autumn Budget kept finance in focus this week, with readers looking for clarity on potential tax and pension changes. Public debate also swirled around the government’s plan to introduce digital ID cards, lifting interest in technology and security. On screen, Strictly Come Dancing dazzled audiences and boosted Arts & Culture, while in sport, the Ryder Cup, Women’s Rugby World Cup and Snooker British Open kept fans hooked.
Topical News
Brits are bracing themselves for the government’s Autumn Budget announcement, now delayed until late November. The move has fuelled speculation and sparked concern that Labour may raise VAT. As a result, Personal Finance has risen 11%, with notable growth across key subcategories. Government Support & Welfare and Personal Taxes have both surged 72%, while Consumer Banking is up 27% and Financial Assistance 10%. Expected changes have also raised concerns over pension, with Retirement (Careers) uplifted 10% as online audiences seek clarity on the changes likely to come in the months ahead.
In other government news, it’s been announced that compulsory Digital Identification cards for anyone working in the UK will be introduced by 2029. The decision has divided public opinion, driving a 4.4x surge in page views within Information & Network Security (Technology & Computing), as Brits explore what these ID cards could mean to them.
Elsewhere, chaos for British automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover continues after its systems were hacked, pulling production to a stop. Automotive continues its trend of growth, up 17%, with Computer Crime surging 61% as readers watch the chaos unfold.
Seasonal Events
Strictly Come Dancing continues to surge Arts & Culture content, up a rhythmic 39%, across the board with its star studded cast. Modern Dance has shimmied up 3.7x, Dance has sashayed 2.6x and Ballet has pirouetted 65%. Furthermore, Reality TV has up 31% as fans of the BBC light entertainment behemoth catch up on their favourite celebrities in this season’s’ cast.
It’s been a standout week for Sport, up 6% WoW on the back of major events. The Ryder Cup stole the spotlight, with Europe edging out the US after a tense final day, driving Golf page views up an impressive 11.3x. In rugby, the Red Roses powered past Canada in the Women’s World Cup Final, lifting the trophy and pushing Rugby content up 9%. Elsewhere in snooker, Shaun Murphy claimed the British Open title, sparking a 3.1x rise in Snooker page views.
Meanwhile, Food & Drink has skyrocketed 23% WoW, influenced by Germany’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest, entering its final week. Having taken the world by storm, the much-loved celebration has spilled over into the UK, where Brits have been donning lederhosen and raising steins with gusto. As a result, Beer page views have bubbled up 2.7x as readers search for the best German brew.
Looking ahead with Ozone’s audiences
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Key Dates:
- Halloween – October 31st: +57% week on week Page View growth
- Christmas build up – December: +50% Groceries PV growth vs annual average
- New Years Eve – December: 4.9x Party Supplies PVs vs monthly average
