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Melody Maker Unveils Radical New Look

IPC this week announced a new look for Melody Maker. Its transition to a glossy A4 magazine is designed to create a clearer role for the 72-year old publication as the music newspaper of choice for younger readers.
Its core readership of 16-19 year olds will be primarily catered for in the relaunch. Aiming to bridge the gap between titles dedicated to throwaway pop, such as Smash Hits, and more serious music titles, Melody Maker will for the first time be physically differentiated from its nearest rival New Musical Express, also owned by IPC Magazines.
The first four issues of the revamped look will promote live gigs. The first issue, available from 30 October, will feature a free CD containing coverage of this year’s Radio 1 Sound City event in Liverpool.
Advertising will be much less limited than previously and the magazine hopes to attract more female readers. Melody Maker has seen declining circulation figures in recent months; the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) reported a circulation decline of almost 15% (see Music Magazines’ Circulations Continue To Fall).
Publishing director Robert Tame said: “The format change will be a much more motivating proposition for young readers who have been brought up on glossy titles. I believe this will rejuvenate the Melody Maker brand, and being clearly visible on the shelf will be a huge step forward in our mission to increase sales.”
IPC Magazines: 0171 261 5000