NewsLifeMedia closes MasterChef Magazine
NewsLifeMedia is closing MasterChef Magazine and a number of redundancies will result.
The November edition, which goes on sale on 22 October, will be the final issue after just two years of publishing.
The news comes just two months after a disappointing set of circulation figures which saw the title lose more than a third of its readers in a year.
The announcement from NewsLifeMedia:
NewsLifeMedia today announced that MasterChef Magazine will move to a new publishing model moving forward. A bumper November magazine will be the final issue of the monthly title which goes on sale on October 22, 2012.
“We are looking to align the schedule of MasterChef Magazine with the television series with special themed issues when the series returns next year,” said Nicole Sheffield, Managing Director of NewsLifeMedia. “The magazine has been a very successful title for us and we have always seen increases in circulation when the program is on-air.”
“This was not an easy decision however this flexible model allows us to evolve the brand. The MasterChef Magazine editorial and advertising teams have delivered a strong food title over the last two years in an extremely competitive and fragmented environment. I would like to thank them for a great product and our readers and advertisers for their support.”
“We are the home of the best food publishing talent in this country and through perpetual evolution we are able to deliver powerful and market leading products and platforms.”
Inspired by the Australian television series, MasterChef Magazine was launched by NewsLifeMedia in 2010 and quickly became one of the most read food magazines in the country. The title enjoys impressive readership with a consistent spike in sales when the television show is on-air.
NewsLifeMedia continues to hold four out of the top five highest circulating* food magazines in the country –Super Food Ideas, ABC Delicious, Woolworths Australian Good Taste and donna hay magazine. Working hand in hand with the food magazines is digital platform, Taste.com.au, Australia’s number one food and lifestyle brand, which was recently redeveloped to further establish its leadership position.
NewsLifeMedia is endeavouring to redeploy the majority of staff.
I downloaded the Taste app recently and it’s good – it has almost 2,000 5 star ratings on the Australian iTunes, and a clear 4.5 star rating overall. Hopefully they’re going to develop and promote that with Masterchef hand-in-hand. Some exclusive George & Gary videos on there? Masterchef contestants? In-app partnership with Coles to send a recipe order to Coles Online?
Simon
http://www.TwoCentsGroup.com.au
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As sad as it is, and my sympathies to staff who may lose jobs, it’s a good example of how the magazine industry should operate. Launch when there’s an opportunity and close when things sour. In TV you get two episodes to perform before you’re out. Under performing magazines appear to get a lifeline of years before they’re finally euthanised. For mags to survive they have to be more robust and adaptable. Take the opportunities when they arise and fast cull the unfashionable.
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I love the way Simon Dell from Two Cents Group builds links to his site twocentsgroup.com
That is TWO in ONE comment! He does seem very clever indeed.
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I recently subscribed 🙁 what a bummer
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