Radio Times Gets New Look As Listings Guide War Hots Up

The Radio Times is set to undergo a revamp, the most comprehensive the listing guide has seen for a decade. The launch of its ‘cleaner, stronger, look’ on 21 September will be backed up an extensive press and radio campaign featuring the line: Radio Times – the best thing on TV.

BBC Worldwide, which publishes the magazine, placed the reason for the changes on the explosion of choice in channels and programming over the past few years as the digital age has emerged. Its main elements of change are easier navigation and guidance across its listings for TV, radio, film and online media.

The news comes as the whole TV listings guide market is experiencing saturation. What’s On TV, the biggest selling title in the sector with a circulation figure of 1,813,784 in the last ABC audit, has slashed its cover price after the recent launch of TV Choice by Bauer. Both now cost 35p.

The Radio Times has seen a drop in circulation figures over the last ten years as the listings guide market has increased in size. The latest ABC figures put its monthly circulation figure at 1,390,481 compared to 2,961,137 ten years ago.

BBC Worldwide: 0181 576 2000