Sunday papers market gets STARS-struck

MEDIA RELEASE

31 August 2007

More competition as Sunday papers market gets STARS-struck

The competitive Sunday paper market diversifies further this weekend to offer readers more choice with a new magazine entrant called ‘STARS’ in the Sunday News. 

The 32-page magazine will differentiate the Sunday News from its competitors, and nip at the heels of the weekly women’s magazines as it delivers the latest celebrity news and lifestyle trends from New Zealand and abroad.

Fairfax Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandra King, says STARS is part of a new product development strategy designed to attract new readers to the Sundays’ market. 

“The launch of STARS as a separate magazine enables the Sunday News to boost its own editorial content with more news and sport. 

“We’re able to give our core audience of news and sports fans more of what they love in a way that is more entertaining and easier to read.  And we believe that offering a dedicated women’s celebrity and lifestyle magazine will attract more female readers to Sunday News.

“Rather than buy a Sunday paper for news and wait for the weekly magazines for your entertainment fix, Sunday News and STARS delivers it all in one publication at a far more reasonable price of $1.80.

“Sunday papers in New Zealand continue to perform well, but papers worldwide need to diversify to attract new audiences to their readership.  STARS distinguishes itself by being the first comprehensive Sunday magazine to deliver the latest international celebrity stories, along with a strong lifestyle section featuring high profile columnists in the fields of fitness, food and nutrition.”

STARS has a dedicated editorial team headed by seasoned showbiz columnist, Cath Bennett who joined the Sunday News six months ago, bringing with her a legacy of tabloid experience from the UK.  Bennett has an enviable portfolio of international celebrity contacts, backstage anecdotes and star interviews to her credit.  She is joined by Sunday News entertainment journalist Ellen Davis on the publication.

“Ellen and I will have gossip-lovers up to speed with the absolute latest in celebrity news by the time they’ve finished their morning cuppa.  STARS will be delivering the latest news and paparazzi-style photos of our readers’ favourite celebrities.  Locally we’ll cover New Zealand’s major entertainment stories and social events.

“Readers can spend the rest of their Sunday digesting food ideas from STARS celebrity chef Ben O’Donohue from TV’s ‘Surfing the Menu’, get tips from fitness guru Faye Smythe - Shortland Street’s Nurse Tania Weston, and nutritionist Dr Louise Schofield of TV3’s ‘Honey We’re Killing The Kids’.  Additionally STARS has a full TV guide, games and puzzles.”

More news, sport and the very latest in entertainment with STARS begins in the Sunday News from this Sunday, 02 September. 

Ends.

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