ABC says publishers expect mobile to be a big part of their publications future delivery

The Audit Bureau of Circulations says that 65% of publishers anticipate mobile distribution to play a major role in their future success. That's up from 55% last year. According to a release reporting the results of ABC's 2010 survey, 37% of publishers expect mobile applications to contribute positively to their total revenues within two years. But 78% say they expect a mix of delivery formats

Sway launches paid national distribution on newsstands

Sway, a controlled quarterly magazine for the black community, is branching out from the greater Toronto area to be distributed nationally.According to a story in Media in Canada, the magazine will now be available in all Chapters and Indigo stores. It will continue to be distributed free in most of the GTA, but a cover price of $4.95 will apply on the stands.

British magazine distribution could do with some competition, report says

British magazine publishers and retailers may soon see greater competition in distribution of titles, after a ruling by the Office of Fair Trading (OTF). According to a story in the Guardian, it means thatNewspaper distribution will continue to be protected by an opt-out from competition law under guidance handed down today by the Office of Fair Trading.However, the regulator said magazine

Time Out publisher considers going controlled, moving listings onto web

Forty years ago, Tony Elliott launched a weekly magazine in London called Time Out, chock full of alternative news and information and brimming with music and events listings, some counter-culture and some not.It has spawned many imitators, including its own branded versions around the world (23 magazines alone or in partnership) and dozens, if not hundreds of imitators. It could be said that

Disticor Direct increases fuel surcharge for single copies by 20%

According to Magazines Canada, Disticor Direct, the distributor through whom Magazines Canada access Chapter/Indigo stores, has raised its fuel surcharge by 20%, to 12 cents from 10 cents per copy served. There was no advance warning; the increase was effective October 1 but MC is only finding out about it now. It has warned affected members that it cannot absorb the extra cost and will be

Rogers mags to test alternative delivery

Rogers Media is to launch a pilot project for alternative delivery of some of its magazines by using independent newspaper contractors (the shadowy people who drive around our streets in the dark of night making sure the Globe and Mail gets tossed into the juniper bush, just out of reach.) Brian Master has been engaged as project manager, reporting to Michael Fox, Senior Vice-President

Can Source be a supplier and a competitor, too?

Much muttering in the U.S. magazine business about Source Interlink's purchase of the enthusiast division of Primedia (see previous post). According to a story in Folio:, among the questions being asked is how can a major distributor impartially deal with its clients when it is one of their competitors? Part of the muttering is caused by the recent exclusive deal that Source Interlink cut with

Source Interlink, a major U.S. distributor buys Primedia titles

Source Interlink, one of the biggest magazine distributors in the United States, has purchased the enthusiast group from Primedia in what industry observers describe as "a stunning development". The effect is to transform a supplier into a major player in media, virtually overnight. (The equivalent would have been if Disticor or Coast-to-Coast in Canada has suddenly acquired the consumer