Vision & Weekend First Issue Reviews

Two more national newspapers launched new sections on Saturday. The Times introduced Vision, increasing its number of sections on a Saturday to 5, and the Daily Mail launched Weekend.

Both are tabloid size and contain 7-day television and radio listings but the similarities stop there. Vision comprises 32 pages of mainly mono newsprint, colour is used on the front cover and on just 2 pages inside. The cover carries the phrase ‘A channel hoppers guide to the week’s TV and Radio’. Inside the editorial focusses on the week’s viewing with features on forthcoming programmes and new series. There is a critic’s pick of the week, a film guide and soaps update. Each days listings are spread over 2 pages with satellite viewing taking up the left hand page and terrestrial on the right. Each day also has its own critic’s choice.

Vision has just one full page ad, this occupies the back cover and is taken by Thomas Cook. Inside there are just 2 small ads taken by TCP and Multiyork Furniture.

The Daily Mail’s 48-page Weekend has much more of a magazine feel. It is printed on thicker paper than the rest of the newspaper, is stapled and uses full colour throughout. Inside the first editorial page is entitled Opening Gambits and comprises a mixture of teasers and snippets of information about the week ahead. Features include interviews with Gloria Hunniford’s son and newsreader Carol Barnes. There is a gardening section, a cookery section, 2 pages devoted to fashion and a consumer guide to the best irons on the market.

As with Vision each day’s listings are spread over 2 pages. The majority of the left hand page is given over to terrestrial viewing with satellite occupying a much smaller space bellow. The right hand page holds the critic’s choice and radio listings. There are 13 pages of advertising making up 27% of the magazine, all the the ads are full colour. Double page spreads include Vauxhall, Marks & Spencer and British Airways.