MediaCorp launches interactive digital magazine Style

Style on iPad will be a paid subscription containing video content and additional product information, available at an introductory price of US$1.99 from the Apple store starting 30 October.  
 
“The digital magazine will be highly interactive, not just a PDF version of the hard copy, or a static format that you normally see online,” said Jessie Sng, managing director of MediaCorp’s publishing division, at the launch of Style.
 
Future editions of digital Style is also likely to include e-commerce, where users not only read about fashion, but also buy items featured online. Readers can also download free back copies once the November issue hits the Apple Store.  
 
After the launch of Style, MediaCorp intends to introduce more digital products specifically for media tablets from its stable of publications, including 8 Days and the popular newspaper Today.
 
“Surveys have found that digital magazines are more engaging, with readers spending 20 to 30 minutes versus just eight to nine minutes for magazine websites, said Shaun Seow, deputy CEO of MediaCorp’s news, radio, print and interactive businesses.

He added that readers also generally pay more attention to display ads in digital magazines than they do online. "These are positive developments for the publishing business, and MediaCorp is poised to ride this wave,” Seow said.

Selina Ang, marketing and communications manager of Cortina Watch, stated, “There is a good reason why digital is all the rage now – pictures are sharp, colours are vibrant and content can be interactive."

From videos to location maps to web links, these added dimensions are aimed at making digital advertising an interesting marketing channel.