Radio Times scoops Cover of the Century award

The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) has revealed that the Radio Times won the public vote to secure ‘Cover of the Century’ at its centenary celebrations in central London last night.

The winning ‘Vote Dalek’ cover celebrated the Daleks’ return to television after two decades, coinciding with the 2005 general election. The cover recreated the infamous 1964 scene where Daleks crossed Westminster Bridge.

“It’s a huge honour for Radio Times to have been voted Cover of the Century by the great British public,” said Tom Bureau, CEO at Immediate Media Co.

“We were up against some very famous front covers from an incredible group of magazine brands, so we are over the moon. Radio Times and Dr Who are both iconic media brands that continue to go from strength to strength with regeneration at the heart of their success.

“This award exemplifies what the Radio Times brand does best – creating national conversations around the key moments in broadcasting history.”

A total of 36,262 votes were registered by the public over nine months. The Beano was runner up with its ‘Dennis The Menace’ cover, followed by Time Out’s November 1974 cover of Winston Churchill.

Barry McIlheney, CEO of the PPA, said: “We’re delighted that the great British public came out and voted in their thousands to choose their Cover of the Century. And it’s apt that such an iconic brand – and one nearly as old as the PPA itself – has been crowned the winner.

“It’s been great to immerse ourselves in the 100 year history of the magazine industry, but we now look forward to our next century of progress, helping publishers, agencies and advertisers adapt to the seismic changes ahead.”