New BBC Magazine Launches Next Week

BBC Countryfile magazine, the BBC’s new guide to rural living, is to make its newsstand debut next Tuesday.

Covering all aspects of country life and green, sustainable living, the 140 page full-colour glossy magazine will be published 13 times a year with an initial print run of more than 73,000 copies.

The magazine’s target audience is people who straddle both urban and rural life. A statement said:”Aged 34-57, the BBC Countryfile magazine reader is eco-friendly, aware of ‘the bigger picture’ and enjoys getting out and about in the countryside.”

BBC Countryfile magazine will be distributed through 16,500 stockists including WH Smiths, Tesco’s, Asda, Morrissons, Sainsbury’s and independent retailers.

A major marketing campaign was launched at the end of July to build awareness and subscriptions prior to launch, achieving a 4.8 million audience reach through activities including BBC magazine house ads, a digital magazine, e-marketing, online offers and direct mail.

Andy Benham, publishing director, said: “A phenomenal amount of effort has gone into making sure that this magazine is a success right from the word go, and I’m confident that it will be. BBC Countryfile magazine will fill an important niche in this competitive and growing market with a title that pulls every aspect of country living together.”

Issue one will hit the newsstand on Tuesday priced £3.40 with a free cover-mounted map case. It will also include 16 pages of expert green advice, an exclusive Raymond Blanc regional recipe for coq au vin, John Craven on the return of the red kite, the UK’s 10 most haunted pubs, and Alan Titchmarsh on caring for our countryside to accompany the major BBC TV series The Nature of Britain. Plus, 15 pull-out Great Days Out map cards, which will be a regular feature for readers to collect with every issue.

The magazine’s dedicated website www.bbccountryfile.com will provide readers with up to date news, editorial team blogs, a reader forum, monthly podcast, and exclusive editorial content.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk