Computer magazines are morphing into entertainment equipment magazines, just as computers are becoming the hub of home entertainment content reception and management.
The current issues of PC User and APC would look more at home next to home entertainment titles – especially with headlines like Big Screen Bliss and Best HD TVs. I think this is a move we will make in our newsagencies – shifting these morphing computer titles right to the edge of the category – rather than at the start where they reside now – next to home entertainment category. Computers are the new TV / home entertainment system after all. The shrinking computer category will be left with pure computer titles.
Also, most pure tech news is sourced directly online now. IT people and computer savy people don’t buy these magazines anymore so they have had to reinvent to stay relevant.
Two questions:
1. Which kind of computer magazine sells best in Australia these days? Do your customers go for the seriously geeky titles like APC or do more consumer oriented publications like Windows Vista get the guernsey?
2. Are cover discs still a drawcard? Are they still a major headache for news agents?
1. APC, PC User, Atomic.
2. Publishers think so. I don’t.
Mark
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