• NewYorkBusiness.com, Thursday, January 12, 2006 12:01 PM

The first 11 issues of the redesigned TV Guide showed a rise of 38 percent in newsstand sales, according to figures released by its parent, Gemstar-TV Guide.  Furthermore, the magazine experienced fewer subscription cancellations than it had expected in the wake of the recent changes.  The latest incarnation of TV Guide is a total departure: it no longer features highly customized local listings, which was long the magazine's calling card--and, for the first time in its history, it is full-size.  The objective was to gain attention on the newsstand and appeal to a young demo. Gemstar-TV Guide says the strategy appears to be working.  Although, given the huge circulation losses at TV Guide in recent years, there's no telling what it will take for the magazine to attain profitability again. Average circulation for the 11 full-size issues published in 2005 was 4.9 million.  Later this year, TV Guide's cover price will rise to $1.99.

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