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Future Publishing takes online brand Tech Radar into print

Posted by sarah-anneb on 28th June 2010

As magazines and newspapers around world continue to shut down, go into receivership and move online, Future Publishing has taken the bold step of moving its online brand Tech Radar into print.  We talked with Gareth Beavis, Phones Editor at the online technology portal to find out more.

Gareth explained that the publishing giant plans to produce a series of print specials that will be available from news-stands from 6 July priced at £7.99.  The first edition will be a 132-page guide to smart phones and will feature information and reviews on 100 devices.

The move comes as Tech Radar broke the one million unique user mark in May, attracting a total of 1,044,480 visitors and growing its audience by 186% year on year.  A readership that traditional consumer tech magazines can only dream of.  But will Tech Radar’s online success help drive sales of the print guide?

According to Gareth the same commitment to content  that drives online success will help the print guide off the shelves:

“The key to our growth has been our commitment to providing high quality content.  We are regularly the first to market with reviews, advice and information on the latest exciting new products.  Our easy to read and straight forward approach means readers are armed with the information they need to get value for money from all their tech purchases.”

“Feedback from our readers has told us that when it comes to buying an expensive piece of kit such as a smartphone, consumers like to have an in-depth yet independent overview of the options available.

“By bringing together our recent reviews from the website, together with other top tips, our print specials provide a handy guide to leaf through and refer to before splashing out a considerable amount of cash.”

It’s a bold move by the publisher and one that could introduce Tech Radar to a whole new audience as well as giving traditional magazine formats a run for their money.  And it represents yet another step in publishers’ attempts to persuade consumers to pay for content that is freely available online.  One the the Wildfire team will be watching with interest.

sarah-anneb