Future Celebrates 150th MacFormat With Redesign
After 11 years and 150 issues providing Mac enthusiasts with indispensable news, reviews and inside information, Future Publishing’s MacFormat is to receive a makeover and new editor to focus more tightly on the needs of today’s Mac and iPod owners.
The 150th Format hits news stands today, lead by veteran Future editor, Graham Barlow, who takes the chair from Rachel Spooner, moving to head up Future’s internal communications team.
An experienced editor, Barlow has spent the last eight years with Future in a variety of editorial positions, having most recently been editor of Internet and Broadband Advisor.
Commenting on the changes at MacFormat Barlow said: “My aim is to take MacFormat forward, continually improving the content and look of the magazine. We will be keeping up to date with the changing needs of our readers. Mac owners are amongst the most intelligent and discerning of all home computer users and MacFormat will continue to evolve to meet their changing needs.”
The changes coincide with the new that MacFormat will be the title sponsor of MacExpo 2004, taking place from 18-20 November 2004 in London. Billed as being the biggest yet, this year’s exhibition will feature presentations and displays from the computing industry’s major players including Adobe, Extensis, HP, Microsoft, Quark and Sony.
In addition MacFormat will be on hand offering special subscription deals, as well as offering show-goers the chance to talk with the magazine team about their technical queries and Mac-related questions.
Commenting on the magazine’s continued success Kelley Corten, publisher of MacFormat, said: “Industry and reader feedback on the redesigned MacFormat has been extremely positive and it is gratifying to see this reflected in increased sales figures. Reaching 150 issues is a landmark for any magazine and with the appointment of an incredibly experienced new editor in Graham combined with our well-established team we are looking forward to building further on our successes.”
The new look and editorial direction of MacFormat could be seen as an answer to the title’s declining circulation figures. A dip of 19.3% year on year has left the title with an overall circulation of just over 16,000, and although the magazine covers a niche market, the situation will be one of concern to Future.
However, with the new direction focussing increasingly on consumer electronics, rather than presenting a solely computing focus, MacFormat may find itself competing on two fronts.
The move could see Future battling not only against established computing titles, but against newer gadget and entertainment offerings, such as the recently launched Playlist, focussing on digital music players, and Haymarket’s forthcoming, and as-yet un-named, entertainment and technology as magazine (see Haymarket Readies Title To Appeal To Ipod Crowd).
Future Publishing: 01225 442 244 www.futurenet.com
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