Future’s SFX regenerates for the return of ‘Doctor Who’

Multi-platform brand continues to expand with new-look magazine next to blast off

29/03/11 – SFX, the world’s number one sci-fi, fantasy and horror magazine, is celebrating the return of ‘Doctor Who’ with a new-look for the magazine, featuring an exclusive cover and a world-first ‘Doctor Who’ sound card – which makes the noise of a TARDIS when readers open the pages.

On sale April 6, SFX has undergone a complete revamp, and is now published in a wider size and printed on better quality paper. New features in the magazine include retro TV celebration ‘20 Things We Love About…’, a monthly peek into readers’ sci-fi memorabilia collections and new columnists like horror industry insider “Penny Dreadful”.

Editor-in-Chief David Bradley says: “SFX has been the market leader for so long by continuing to evolve with the times. The massive popularity of sci-fi and fantasy at the moment means the time is right for the mag to cement its place in fans’ hearts with a brand new look.

“All the favourite features are there, but readers will also find new regulars like a monthly quiz, interviews with debut authors and iPhone app reviews. At the same time we’re investing in the production values of the magazine, and in brand extensions like the website and our event the SFX Weekender.”

The overhaul of the magazine marks a period of sustained investment from Future, as part of a move to encourage further engagement with the SFX brand across a number of different platforms.

2011 has seen the SFX brand further cementing its position as market leader. As well as increased circulation and subscriptions for the print magazine, there has been a huge rise in website traffic, with unique users up 100% year-on-year (Sitestat, March 11), and a 31% increase in visitors to the SFX Weekender.

A larger venue for the 2012 SFX Weekender has been confirmed due to phenomenal demand. Now at Pontin’s in Prestatyn, Wales, the annual festival attracts thousands of revellers and big names like Sir Terry Pratchett, Russell Tovey and Ashes to Ashes star Keeley Hawes.

A full refresh of SFX.co.uk, the premier online portal for sci-fi, fantasy and horror fans, will follow shortly along with the release of a brand-new iPhone app. Blastermind, priced at just 59p, is a fun-packed quiz app which allows readers to test their sci-fi knowledge and share their high scores.

Clair Porteous, Group Publisher for Future’s Film Portfolio, said: “I’m thrilled with the magazine’s new look and excited about the revamped site and app. The multi-platform approach allows SFX’s committed fan-base to interact with each other and celebrate the genre in all its formats.

“The popularity of the Blastermind quiz has shown that sci-fi fans are really proud of their knowledge, so producing an app seemed like a natural next step for the brand. 2011 is already proving to be an exciting year for SFX and the improvements we’re making will ensure that SFX remains at the top of its game.”

Issue 208 of SFX is on sale 6th April priced at £4.50. For more information visit www.sfx.co.uk.

About SFX
SFX’s is the Earth’s greatest sci-fi, fantasy and horror brand, covering TV, film, books, games, collectables and comics. Every month, and online at www.sfx.co.uk, SFX delivers news, features, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insight, star profiles and much more.

About Future
Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong multi-media market positions in games, technology, film, music, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include Total Film, T3, Classic Rock, Digital Camera, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, musicradar.com, dailyradar.com and photoradar.com. Future produces nearly 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 27 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 27 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.