The print extension of the television programme, Top Gear, will hit newsstands in October, following a licensing agreement between Media24 Magazines and BBC Magazines, announced by Media24 Magazine's CEO John Relihan on Monday 5 September.
"It is considered the biggest motoring media brand in the world and we're very excited about working with BBC Magazines to bring this experience in motoring magazine journalism to South Africa," Relihan said. "This is not only a considerable boost for our own automotive offering but will offer both readers and advertisers a wider choice on a level not currently available in the local market."
"Major milestone"
Joanna Marshall, head of international licensing and syndication at BBC Magazines, is equally proud of the launch. "For us, Top Gear South Africa is a major milestone, as it marks the 27th published licensed edition, with the title available in over 50 territories across the world and the television programme broadcast in more than 170 countries.
"We're confident that we have found a perfect home for it at Media24, with its deep understanding of the local market and a solid reputation in the South African market."
Top Gear South Africa will be edited by Pierre Steyn, former editor of topCar, the other automotive title in Media24's portfolio. The Lifestyle magazine division is currently recruiting for a suitable successor to edit topCar.
"The magazine also delivers on this brand promise, with careful attention in not simply repeating TV content. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May play a vital role in the magazine content; all three contribute monthly columns and features and rotate the editor's letter between them. The Stig is equally a part of the magazine, as we regularly put his driving talents to the test," says Steyn.
The November launch issue of Top Gear South Africa, available nationally from 24 October, will retail at a cover price of R29.95.
Gearing towards its repositioning to incorporate broader management related issues, Finweek now offers its readers exclusive Harvard Business Review content.
"There is a lot of focus on South Africa becoming more competitive and adopting world-beating standards and being able to bring cutting-edge content like this to our readers is a clear win for us," says acting editor Marc Ashton.
With a relaunch due out in October, there are a number of initiatives planned for this brand.
Urban Edge Magazine launches on Thursday 8 September at distribution sites around Cape Town CBD including colleges (AAA, Red and Yellow, City Varsity) and shopping centres (Gardens Centre, Spar Observatory and Kloof) to reach its target market - students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30 years old, who want reports on the news and entertainment industries within the city of Cape Town.
The free paperback publication will be produced fortnightly on Thursdays, with a distribution of 3000 copies per issue. The publication aims to create a platform for the readers to collaborate on newsworthy stories, events and images. Its mission is to create a safe, affordable and creative publication where readers can network with one another and find out about the local news, events and opportunities that Cape Town has to offer.
Managed by Nick Kruger and coordinated by Danielle Illman, the magazine was inspired by the popularity of youth-focused publications abroad, such as the TNT in London and The Georgia Straight in Vancouver.
The publication will create a large network through social media sites and encourage readers and city dwellers to submit any news, artwork, or articles written by them for publication.
For more, go to www.urbanedgemag.com.
