>>FFWD Into the Future

Press Release

For immediate release 19 September, 2002

>>FFWD INTO THE FUTURE NEW NAME FOR UNLIMITED'S GEAR MAGAZINE*

IDG's new publication for the home entertainment and consumer electronics market will be titled >>FFWD from its launch in November.

>>FFWD covers the latest and greatest from the world of home entertainment and consumer electronics.

>>FFWD launches on 18 November and will come out bi-monthly thereafter, with sales through newsstands and mailing to more than 10,000 Unlimited and PC World subscribers - a total distribution of more than 15,000 copies and an unprecedented reach for a publication of this type.

Editorial profile >>FFWD aims to assist readers in making informed buying decisions. With most of the content being produced here in New Zealand, >>FFWD will be previewing and reviewing all the best, locally available products - from awe-inspiring, state-of-the-art home theatre and hi-fi systems, to the latest in cellphone and PDA technology, and much more.

>>FFWD will also provide regular coverage of all that's new in the games and console market, as well as providing in-depth features and reviews on digital cameras and camcorders. There's even a special section - esoterica - for great stuff the editor couldn't resist, even though there wasn't a category for it!

Additionally, >>FFWD's "how-to" articles, will offer plain English explanations on how to get the most from all the new gear while >>FFWD's On Disc review section will showcase the latest CD, DVD and game releases.

Receptive audience Unlimited and PC World subscribers are highly receptive to new technology and appreciate being informed about new products - whether through editorial or advertising.

>>FFWD's readers are the cream of New Zealand's buying public: the early adopters, the high spenders, the trend setters - and first-line advisors to others. From cover to cover, in >>FFWD they'll find a wealth of unbiased advice and insight, from specialist writers who really know their onions. They'll be inspired to go out and buy - or talk about the products they've seen to their friends, relations and colleagues.

The second issue of >>FFWD will be published in late January 2003.

>>FFWD launch follows successful trial run >>FFWD's full scale launch follows a successful trial run using a publication delivered as a supplement to Unlimited and PC World subscribers in July. The highly positive feedback on that 52-page issue cemented the plan for the much larger folio (100 page) publication with dramatically improved production values, including a heavier, glossy cover, perfect binding and higher quality paper stock.

ENDS

About IDG Communications Ltd New Zealand's Leading Provider of Information Services on Information Technology IDG Communications Limited, through its publications, exhibitions, conferences and on-line services, reaches more than 300,000 New Zealanders each month. It provides tech-savvy business executives, IT professionals and a wide range of users with information that helps them succeed in today's technology-driven environment.

* >>FFWD was earlier known by the working title Gear, which it carried during its first incarnation as a section in Unlimited and then as a supplement to Unlimited and PC World. While Gear was on the shortlist of preferred names for the new title, a prior use search ruled it out of final contention.

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