BBC To Shake-Up Teen Magazine Sector With New Launch
BBC Magazines is planning to launch a new title into the teenage magazine market in an attempt to revive the fortunes of the increasingly crowded sector.
The title, codenamed Project April, is due to launch in the autumn and looks likely to be aimed at 12-14 year-olds. Details of the launch are being closely guarded, but reports suggest the magazine could be similar to Emap’s recently launched Sneak, which has a strong celebrity focus.
Publisher, Alfie Lewis, said: “There’s a real buzz about Project April at BBC Magazines – we’re expecting great things! Launching a teen title is always a huge thrill as it’s such a dynamic sector, and creating something new and appealing for such a selective audience is a fantastic challenge.”
News of the launch comes just before the publication of latest ABC circulation figures for the six months to July 2003. The BBC claims to be expecting “great results” for its existing teen magazines, Top Of The Pops and It’s Hot, while other titles in the sector are expected to fall.
Lewis added: “We’re confident we have a great feel for the market – our strong relationship with over a million Top Of The Pops magazine and It’s Hot readers is testament to that – and Project April will complement these existing titles to ensure our line up remains unbeatable.”
BBC Magazines recently joined forces with Dorling Kindersley publishing to create a new development title for children aged between two and five. The 24-page monthly publication, entitled My First Magazine, will attempt to introduce young readers to the world around them through a range of hands-on activities including cutting, folding and sticking (see BBC Magazines Teams With DK Publishing For New Title).
BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbcworldwide.com
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