11/03/10 – Future, the special-interest media group, today confirms it is planning a range of cross platform activity to boost its iconic multi-format games brand, GamesMaster.

GamesMaster magazine will unveil its first extensive redesign for six years this May.  The front-to-back regeneration and editorial focus has been overseen by games media veteran Mark Donald, working closely with Editor-in-Chief, Robin Alway.  Mark’s 12-year games career includes the launch of Official PlayStation Magazine and the genre-leading redesign of PC Gamer.

Following a specialist consumer research project, the new look GamesMaster magazine promises to reflect the way gamers are playing in 2010, focusing on the growing importance of online and on-console communities amongst the title’s audience.  As the UK’s bestselling multi-format games title, the redesigned GamesMaster adapts its editorial focus to recognise the changing attitudes and tastes of gamers.

Future is also looking at ways to extend the brand into new formats.  GamesMaster remains the UK’s most successful videogames TV show of all-time, running from 1991 until 1998 on Channel 4, and the team are exploring the potential for reviving the brand on TV screens.

Emma Parkinson, Associate Publisher of GamesMaster, said:

“We have ambitious plans for the future of this iconic gaming brand, kicking off with a major redesign of GamesMaster magazine in May.  We intend to develop GamesMaster across multiple platforms, updating the look and feel, whilst protecting its 19-year legacy and the immense respect it receives from gamers and the industry itself.”

Simon Maxwell, Group Publisher of Future’s Console and Online portfolio, added:

“GamesMaster is a key gaming brand for Future and there are some fantastic opportunities to expand its reach and influence beyond the magazine.  This year, we’ll bring a comprehensively redesigned GamesMaster magazine to market, develop an online presence through our existing sites, and explore the appetite for bringing the show back to TV.”

The July issue of GamesMaster, on sale Thursday, 20^th May – with a coverprice of £3.99, including exciting relaunch gifts.

ENDS

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 market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts.  Our biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife.  Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, and musicradar.com.  Future produces over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 18 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 25 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.

For more information
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517

As Future continues to develop the SFX brand with print specials and live-event spin-offs, the community of enthusiasts who visit SFX.co.uk recorded a significant 43% rise in page impressions year-on-year.

Comprehensively redesigned with a bold new look, the reinvigorated SFX.co.uk becomes a portal for sci-fi enthusiasts to gather and share their love of books, TV, film, comic, anime, videogames and more.  With its new attitude and a wealth of new features, the website encourages fans to interact with a site packed with the latest news, opinionated features and exclusive interviews with the biggest names driving the sci-fi genre.

Strengthening its commitment to growing the SFX brand online, Future has appointed Dave Golder as Online Editor. An SFX veteran, Dave edited the magazine from its launch in 1995 until its 10^th anniversary.  Returning to Future in late 2006, he became Special Projects Editor of the title, overseeing its roster of quarterly print specials.  In his new role as Online Editor – Dave will be responsible for strengthening the website’s editorial content, working closely with Editor-in-Chief, Dave Bradley and the SFX magazine team.

With a full-time Editor leading the website, SFX.co.uk will encourage enthusiasts to spend more time on the site and visit more often with the introduction of a number of new weekly regular features; including the Blastermind Quiz, what’s on guide, sneak peeks at SFX magazine content and a dedicated video channel for the latest trailers and other special content.

The website relaunch provides SFX with a site that improves user experience, thanks to upgraded functionality and improved content.  The new look allows Future to fulfil the needs of its commercial partners by offering better quality advertising solutions and more creative executions to reach this loyal and passionate group of enthusiast consumers.

Dave Golder, Online Editor of SFX.co.uk, said:

“The old SFX website was a solid success, and it was pushed to its limits.  The new site offers us an amazing range of new opportunities to expand, reinvigorate the whole SFX experience online.  Just as the magazine transformed sci-fi print journalism with new levels of editorial and design excellence, so the SFX website will offer something new and exciting online.  It’s not just about news and reviews, it’s about living and breathing sci-fi and our users are going to be an important part of that mix.  This is their site as much as ours.”

Stuart Galbraith, Associate Publisher of SFX, added:

“With its rapid online audience growth it was time to strengthen our investment in the website.  Our new look site will offer compelling reasons for enthusiasts to visit us online everyday, whilst giving commercial partners a number of compelling options, including site takeovers.  As the world’s bestselling sci-fi and fantasy magazine we continue to develop the SFX brand – having attracted over 2500 sci-fi fans from across Europe to our first SFX Weekender earlier this year.”

The new look website is available now at www.sfx.co.uk.

ENDS

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.

For more information
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517

The Auto Events team won the award for TRAX, the UK’s ultimate performance car event. 2009 saw an incredible 30% increase in attendance year-on-year, with 16,630 car enthusiasts coming to Silverstone for the final event in Future’s Auto Events Series.

TRAX beat other events including Download and the Reading & Leeds Festival to the top award.

Headlining TRAX was multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver and stunt driving sensation Ken Block, who put on an awe-inspiring stunt display. With non-stop track action including the JDM Allstars drift championship, event-goers posting track time on the Grand Prix circuit and over 4,000 club cars on display, it was a full on day of automotive fun, resulting in the highest attendance since 2002.

NOEA is the only trade association specialising in the Outdoor Events Industry, and its members include organisers, suppliers to the industry, as well as local authorities and venues which have their own events such as the NEC and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, the Farnborough Air Show and Liverpool’s Capital of Culture team.

The trophy was presented to Steve Foster, Future’s Auto Events Manager and Tom Davis, Show Manager, by the Executive Director of Capita Symonds, Chris Green.

Steve Foster, Future’s Auto Events Manager said:

“To win this prestigious award is recognition of our experience and professionalism in organising outdoor events.  NOEA is the leading association concerned with all aspects of outdoor shows, and to be competing for these national awards indicates we are up there with all of the major event organisers in the UK.

TRAX had a fantastic year with an incredible 30% increase in attendance, with some great feedback from both event-goers and the industry. This was a great team effort, we’re delighted to have received this award, and look forward to developing our event offering even more.”

Richard Limb, President of NOEA said:

“The award was given in recognition of a high level of excellence at TRAX 2009; with regard to overall event management, the variety of activities for all the family, customer care and the obvious success from an attendance point of view. As President of NOEA, I was very proud to present it — very well deserved.”
The 2010 Auto Event Series sees two new shows added, as well as headline sponsorship from Adrian Flux Insurance Services.

About the Adrian Flux Auto Events Series 2010:

Japfest – Europe’s biggest Japanese performance car show, Castle Combe, Wiltshire, 15th May, www.japfest.co.uk

Classic Ford Show – The UK’s premier classic Ford event, Santa Pod, Northamptonshire, 6th June, www.classicfordshow.co.uk

The Performance Vauxhall Show – The no. 1 performance Vauxhall event, Santa Pod, Northamptonshire,
12th & 13th June, www.pvshow.co.uk

Total Vauxhall Live – The high-octane performance Vauxhall circuit event, 7th August, Castle Combe, Wiltshire,  www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/live

Ford Fair – Europe’s biggest Ford Festival, Silverstone, Oxfordshire, 8th August, www.fordfair.co.uk

Japfest 2: The Evolution – The world’s most extreme Japanese tuning show, 15th August, Rockingham Raceway, Northamptonshire, www.japfest2.co.uk

TRAX – The ultimate performance car show, 5th September, Silverstone, Oxfordshire www.traxshows.co.uk

 
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.
For further information:

Please contact Jen Campbell – jen.campbell@futurenet.com or 01225 732269

The new season extends Future’s Auto Events series from five to seven shows, adding a high octane Vauxhall event to the season, as well as extending its popular Japfest brand to a second event for more Japanese car enthusiasts.  Future has also signed a partnership deal with Adrian Flux Insurance Services as the headline sponsor for its Auto Events Series 2010.

2009 was the biggest season yet, as more than 66,000 fans from across Europe visited Future’s Auto Events series, an increase of 8.5% on 2008. Created by a team with almost 30 years of event management experience, the Adrian Flux Auto Events Series promises to be even bigger and better – and is produced in collaboration with Future’s auto portfolio, which includes Fast Car, Redline, Classic Ford, Fast Ford and Total Vauxhall.

The first Total Vauxhall Live takes place on 7th August at Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire.  With 100% Vauxhall action, public track sessions, club displays and a marque specific retail area, it’s everything a Vauxhall aficionado needs. Organised by the team from Total Vauxhall magazine, the event will give fans of the marque the chance to meet the magazine team as well as fellow Vauxhall enthusiasts.

The second new event, Japfest 2: The Evolution comes to the Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire on 15th August, and is Future’s second Japanese car event of the summer – following the record-breaking success of Japfest at Wiltshire’s Castle Combe Circuit in 2009. Japfest 2 will bring the same high-octane atmosphere to Europe’s fastest racing circuit, with club displays, live track action, public track sessions and an exclusive trade area.

The sponsorship deal between Adrian Flux and Future will allow both parties access to increase brand awareness to potential new customers, utilising their significant audience reach to talk directly to thousands of engaged car enthusiasts. Whatever marque enthusiasts are into, the Adrian Flux Auto Series has an event that will satisfy every car enthusiast’s need for high-octane automotive exhilaration.

Future will provide brand exposure for Adrian Flux across its entire automotive portfolio of 1 million passionate consumers, as well as providing hospitality areas for their use through the Auto Events Series. Adrian Flux will promote Future’s Auto Events Series across their database; provide services and special deals to event-goers, as well as prizes in the run-up to the events.

Richard Schofield, Group Publisher for Future’s Automotive portfolio said:

“Our events are a successful and expanding part of our Automotive business. They offer visitors the chance to interact with our magazine brands and to be part of the action – for exhibitors they offer an unrivalled opportunity to reach thousands of highly active car enthusiasts. We are delighted to be working with Adrian Flux, a company which shares Future’s passion for cars. Working in partnership, we will reach even more enthusiasts in 2010.”     

Gerry Bucke, Spokesperson for Adrian Flux added:

“We are delighted to be working with Future – our affiliation to create the Adrian Flux Auto Series is a great opportunity for us to engage with car enthusiasts from many of the key markets we operate in.”
 

About the Adrian Flux Auto Events Series 2010:

Japfest – Europe’s biggest Japanese performance car show, Castle Combe, Wiltshire, 15th May, www.japfest.co.uk

Classic Ford Show – The UK’s premier classic Ford event, Santa Pod, Northamptonshire, 6th June, www.classicfordshow.co.uk

The Performance Vauxhall Show – The no. 1 performance Vauxhall event, Santa Pod, Northamptonshire,
12th & 13th June, www.pvshow.co.uk

Ford Fair – Europe’s biggest Ford Festival, Silverstone, Oxfordshire, 1st August, www.fordfair.co.uk

Total Vauxhall Live – The high-octane performance Vauxhall circuit event, 7th August, Castle Combe, Wiltshire,  www.totalvauxhalllive.co.uk

Japfest 2: The Evolution – The world’s most extreme Japanese tuning show, 15th August, Rockingham Raceway, Northamptonshire, www.japfest2.co.uk

TRAX – The ultimate performance car show, 5th September, Silverstone, Oxfordshire www.traxshows.co.uk

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.

About Adrian Flux
Adrian Flux is one of the UK’s largest specialist motor insurance provider, covering everything from classic and vintage cars, right through to heavily modified sports cars. With over 35 years’ experience in arranging insurance for every kind of car imaginable they will tailor a policy to your exact needs and use their expertise to find you the cheapest premium they can on the most suitable scheme.
For further information:

Future – please contact Jen Campbell – jen.campbell@futurenet.com or 01225 732269
Adrian Flux – Charlie Roughton, charlie@mazemedia.co.uk or Tribe PR- fluxteam@tribepr.com

Joining Future’s senior management team, Chris will report to Mia Walter, Publishing Director for Future’s Music-Making portfolio and will be responsible for overseeing and developing the London Music Show, which the company took over earlier this year. 

Chris brings over 20 years of event experience to the role, having previously worked for CMPi, Emap and international event organisers, Montgomery. A keen musician, Chris has been a guitar player for over 35 years and brings a wealth of music knowledge to the appointment.

Organised by Future, The London Music Show is the UK’s biggest music-making event and takes place from 8th – 10th October 2010 at the ExCel Arena. With trade welcome on all three days, the consumer event celebrates all aspects of music and will attract thousands of visitors. The event will be a truly interactive experience with live performance, demonstrations, master-classes, signings, learn to play zones and the chance to test out and purchase the latest equipment and gear from key manufacturers and retailers – and smaller speciality companies alike.

The show will also include a brand new area – ‘Rhythm Live’, which will run throughout the event, and will be aimed at drum enthusiasts as well as well as encouraging would-be drummers to pick up drumsticks for the first-time. . The area will include seminars, master-classes and live performances from the best drummers around, as well as exhibiting kits and gear from leading drum brands.

Rhythm Live will also bring the very best elements of the UK’s biggest and best percussion magazine – Rhythm, and will be led by Louise King, the former editor of Rhythm. Having edited the magazine for 8 years, Louise will play a major part in developing Rhythm Live into a major area at London Music Show for all drum enthusiasts. The Rhythm team will be working closely with Louise and will be on hand to meet their readers and answer questions throughout Rhythm Live.

Future’s London Music Show event team are working closely with the industry to secure exhibitors for the event and will announce partners in coming months.  Leading drummer, Mike Dolbear has already signed up to take part in tutorial sessions in the Rhythm Live area. 

Mia Walter, Publishing Director for Future’s Music-Making portfolio said:

“We are delighted to appoint Chris Down to the role of Event Director; he brings considerable expertise and experience as well as endless enthusiasm, and this appointment shows how committed we are in investing and developing the London Music Show”.

For more information please visit www.londonmusicshow.co.uk and www.musicradar.com for updates.
 

Ends

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.

For more information
Future – please contact Jen Campbell – jen.campbell@futurenet.com or 01225 732269

01/03/10

TechRadar.com mixes the latest technology news and reviews with content from Future’s market-leading portfolio of computing and consumer electronics titles and attracts over 2.5m unique users per month.

The first TechRadar Awards are being sponsored by three top-tier companies – DTS, Intel and Qualcomm.

With voting underway from Monday 1st March  at http://www.techradar.com/awards the TechRadar Awards contain 18 categories across TechRadar’s core areas; Computing, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications and Gadgets with shortlisted companies including Samsung, Apple, HTC, Microsoft, Spotify, Acer, Nvidia, Mozilla and Google.  The shortlists in each category were created by a leading panel of tech experts, including representatives from Sky News, MSN and Mobile Choice.

Computing – sponsored by DTS

• Computing technology champion
• Computing technology of the year
• Hottest mobile computing innovation
• Most essential online innovation
• Most essential software innovation
• Best computing add-on technology

Home Entertainment – sponsored by Intel

• Greatest visual innovation
• Greatest audio innovation
• Most innovative entertainment platform
• Most exciting gaming tech

Mobile Communications – sponsored by Qualcomm

• Mobile technology champion
• Essential phone of the year
• Most innovative app of the year
• Hottest mobile platform

Gadgets

• Essential gadget of the year
• Greatest contribution to digital photography
• Top entertainment gadget
• Best on-the-go tech

As the votes come in, each category is updated in real-time, and voters will have the chance to win £25,000 in prizes, including 10 Dell Adamo laptops worth £799 each and four YoYoTech Fi7EPOWER MK3 desktop gaming PCs, worth a staggering £4,995 each!

The TechRadar Awards will be promoted across Future’s web portfolio – including PhotoRadar, T3.com and Home Cinema Choice. Future’s in-house social media team will push the campaign through Twitter, Facebook and technology forums.

Ian Robson, organiser of the TechRadar Awards, said:

“The UK’s leading site for technology enthusiasts now has an awards event designed to match their enthusiasm.  Embracing social networking and with dynamic live reporting of the top votes products throughout the awards duration, the winners will be completely decided by the enthusiasts who know and love what makes a good technology product.  This will be the first of many years where the industry and technology consumers will look to TechRadar.com for the award results that matter most to them.”

The list of winners and runners-up will be announced at the end of April on TechRadar.com

ENDS

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.

For more information
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517

A weekend celebration of all things cycling, a total of 8,500 riders and their families came to the inaugural event in 2009. This year’s event promises to be even better with a fantastic new venue, more riders, more pros, more features and more races!

The British Heart Foundation will be the official charity partner of BikeRadar Live, with a focus on the Cycling Plus Sportive event as well as their own ‘BHF Indy Track Ride’. Riders taking part in either the 100k or 100mile sportive event will be encouraged to raise money for the BHF, both through the charity itself and Future’s portfolio of cycling magazines and websites.

The BHF Indy Track Ride will allow riders of all abilities to get out on the track and try to notch up as many laps as they want by cycling the Indy circuit of 1.9miles for up to two hours – with all entry fees going direct to the charity. The challenge is not a race, but open to all ages and abilities and aimed at having fun and getting fit, whether cyclists want to do one lap or ride for the full two hours.   

Whether entering as a team, family or individual, people will have the chance to join hundreds of other cyclists on the famous Brands Hatch track, and enjoy the bends, twists and turns normally only experienced by racing cars! All of the entry money from this event will go directly to the BHF – whilst helping you to keep your own heart healthy, as well as saving the hearts of others.

One in five men and one in seven women die from heart disease, that’s around 91,000 deaths in the UK each year and almost 250 people every day. Some of the most ground-breaking, innovative and important achievements in heart health research over the past 49 years have been made thanks to work supported by the British Heart Foundation.

Whatever you ride, BikeRadar Live offers you a chance to test-ride the latest road and mountain bikes, see the pros in action, ride the iconic Brands Hatch circuit on your own bike, or prove yourself in one of the many races and challenges.  Whether you want to ride 1k or 100k, on the road or off-road, there is something for every type of cyclist.

The BHF already hosts many cycling events across the UK, which helps to raise vital funds for the charity. Adam Brockett, Event organiser for The British Heart Foundation, said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for the BHF to be part of a festival atmosphere, host an event and to reach real cycling enthusiasts from around the country. We are really pleased to be working with the BikeRadar Live team and look forward to a very successful event.

Cycling is great fun, and a fantastic way of getting fit and keeping your heart healthy, so we’re really excited to be working with Future to promote both cycling and the health benefits of it and we hope that the cycling industry will get behind this partnership.”

Pete Stothard, Publishing Director for Future’s sports portfolio added:

“We’re delighted to be working with the British Heart Foundation on this initiative. We both want to encourage as many people as possible to get on a bike, do some exercise, raise money for a great cause and have some fun. It’s great that the BHF have chosen to work with us on this initiative at Bike Radar Live.”

Book online now at bikeradar.com/live or call the BikeRadar LIVE HOTLINE on 0871 230 1085

One-day, Weekend and Family festival tickets from £15 in advance.

Children 12 years and under go free (maximum 3 children per adult). No booking fee. Lines open 24 hours a day. Calls made from a landline will be charged at 10p per minute, mobile tariffs may vary. Gates open midday Friday, 9 July for weekend ticket holders.

For further information

BikeRadar Live – please contact Jen Campbell, Communications Executive on 01225 732269 or jen.campbell@futurenet.com
BHF – please contact Maria Sullivan, BHF Communications Officer on 01892 893915 or sullivanm@bhf.org.uk
 

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.

Celebrating its bicentenary, .net offers three free gifts and an exclusive interview with the man who sent Twitter mainstream – actor, writer, presenter and national treasure, Stephen Fry.

In the three-page interview, Fry talks candidly about Twitter, depression, and launches a passionate attack against the UK’s plans for illegal file sharers. So keen was Stephen to discuss his love of the web and technology, a full 15 minute video of his interview with .net’s Editor, Dan Oliver can be found at www.netmag.co.uk/fry. This video has been produced using Microsoft’s Silverlight technology, and can be viewed in high definition.

In a world seemingly mad for 3D – .net investigates why the retro red and blue glasses of the 1950s are back in demand, adding a new dimension to websites.  With guidance from leading web designers, .net shows just how to design and create a 3D website. Readers can get the full effect of .net’s retro 3D cover and mind-bending artwork by donning their free specs – before heading online to view the wealth of anaglyph 3D content now available online.

The 200^th issue also gives .net readers the chance to register their own .biz domain name for free, courtesy of www.domainmonster.biz, worth £7.99.  A .biz domain name gives businesses of all sizes an easily recognisable domain name to start building up their online presence.

Dan Oliver, editor of .net said:

“We’re delighted to be celebrating issue 200 of .net magazine. Reaching such a significant milestone illustrates how – with a passionate team and readership – it’s possible to produce a print publication that’s still relevant. We’d like to say a massive thank you to the army of web designers and developers that have helped support us, and make .net magazine a global success, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead!”

The 200^th issue of .net magazine (April 2010), goes on sale Tuesday, 2^nd March – with a coverprice of £5.99.

ENDS

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.

For more information
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517

The programme will be broadcast again on Saturday 27th February at 5.30pm, or you can click here to listen to the programme.

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.

For more information
Victoria Bacon, Head of Group Communications, Future Plc, 020 7042 4033

The month-long cycling charity marathon sees the ex-England rugby union captain and some friends pedal over 2,800 km around all the 6 Nations stadia, raising money for the Dallaglio Foundation and Sport relief.

Future’s Simon Wear will be joining him between 5th-12th of March for the final stage of the event, a 549km slog from Rosslare in southern Ireland to Edinburgh, arriving just in time for the Scotland vs England match and a few well earned drinks.

In order to compete in the race, Simon has completely changed his lifestyle to get in shape for the epic ride. He has given up smoking and alcohol, begun a healthy eating regime and taken to training by riding hundreds of kilometres a week with BikeRadar.com’s Editor Jeff Jones, and Editor-in-Chief John Stevenson.

Of course Future’s portfolio of cycling magazines and websites, including Cycling Plus and www.bikeradar.com has been a real source of help for training, nutritional advice and technical advice.

Simon Wear says: 

“I’ve spent an absolute fortune on equipment, physio, sports massage and nutrition. I’ve been forcing myself to train, eat the right food, do my stretches… everyone has been really helpful and our magazines and websites have been a fantastic resource.

I can’t thank everyone enough. My original target was £3,000 but donations have been pouring in and I’ve had to revise it upwards to £5,000, I’d be absolutely delighted if I could get more.”

To donate, head over to www.justgiving.com/simon-wear – proceeds will be split between the Dallaglio Foundation (which supports charities like Cancer Research UK and Help For Heroes) and Sport Relief.
 

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.

For more information please contact Jen Campbell – jen.campbell@futurenet.com or 01225 732269