Radio Times Offers Electronic Version

The Radio Times has announced a new deal with Rupert Murdoch’s company Gemstar to produce a Radio Times electronic version of the TV listings guide, giving users access to seven-day listings, programme recommendations and a database of 24,000 film reviews.

The new Radio Times branded EPG will be called Guide Plus and will eventually be available on digital televisions, recordable DVD players and personal video recorders. Paid for advertising will also be available through the device, according to a report in the Guardian.

Rebecca Woodward, head of new media at the Radio Times said: “Gemstar is one of the most experienced companies in this area and we’re creating something they’ve had years of experience developing”.

Gill Hudson, editor of the Radio Times added: “For 80 years the Radio Times has been providing UK consumers with the most widely used and recognised TV listings. There is now no format not covered by the Radio Times, you can access it via mobile phone, your PDA, online, and now the GUIDE Plus +EPG”.

Earlier this month, the Radio Times announed plans to make a £1 million investment in above the line promotions and direct marketing in order to back up its newly revamped editorial and content (see Radio Times Backs Redesign With £1 Million Marketing Push).

The sales promotion will be supported nationally on Virgin Radio, as well as via selected local radio stations. In addition a direct marketing campaign will target 2500,000 readers.

The Radio Times has recently seen its circulation drop, falling to just over 1.1 million in the six months to December, down 4.2% year on year. The publication holds its position as the nations second best circulating paid for TV listings title by just over 4,000 copies, with Bauer’s TV choice poised to take its position in the next round of ABCs.