Sports Illustrated Launches ‘All Access’ Digital Publishing Strategy
NEW YORK—Feb. 11, 2011—Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated announced the introduction of new “All Access” digital subscription plans that will deliver the iconic print magazine to consumers at all touch points (or on all platforms), beginning today with Android tablets and smartphones, as well as on the Web. This is the first of Time Inc.’s emerging digital subscription programs, designed to offer consumers a flexible approach to accessing its branded titles.
Earlier this week, Time Inc. announced plans to make Time, Fortune, People and Sports Illustrated available for subscription on the HP TouchPad when it is introduced later this year.
The new apps from the editors of Sports Illustrated are an extension of the title’s aggressive development initiative. In the last eight months, SI has introduced a new magazine iPad app, SI Snapshot for Google Chrome and a new SI Facebook Fantasy Football game. There are also several new swimsuit digital products, including 3D, coming out on Feb. 15. And last week, a concept for Sports Illustrated on the Android Honeycomb was showcased by Google.
“We view every new technology as an opportunity to provide our long-time subscribers with digital access to the magazine and at the same time attract new readers,” said Terry McDonell, Time Inc. Sports Group Editor. “Our editors and designers have stepped up to customize the best-possible version of SI for various platforms and technologies.”
Beginning today, Sports Illustrated “All Access” includes new magazine apps for the Samsung Galaxy and Android smartphones (OS 2.1 and higher); web access to the issue (after log in) can be found at www.si.com/magazine. The specific plans are:
• Print/Digital (Samsung Galaxy/Android Smartphone/Web): $48 annually or $4.99/month
• Digital Only: $3.99/month
• Current print subscribers have free access to the digital package throughout the remainder of their term
“This is a significant step in delivering Sports Illustrated’s award-winning journalism to sports fans everywhere and in any way they want it,” said Mark Ford, Time Inc. EVP and President of its Sports Group. “The new subscription options give consumers flexibility and convenience they desire and ensures that our multiple revenue streams continue to grow.” Sports Illustrated currently boasts nearly 3.15 million print subscribers.
“We are in the first inning of development and with this new, expanded commerce infrastructure we can ensure that our readers will be able to enjoy their favorite titles across an array of digital platforms and devices as the game unfolds,” said Randall Rothenberg, Time Inc. EVP/Chief Digital Officer.
About Time Inc.
Time Inc., a Time Warner company, is a world class branded content company, investing in the future and engaging more than 138 million consumers monthly; whenever, however, and wherever they are. With 22 magazines and 26 web sites in the U.S., it is the country’s largest magazine media company. Each month, one out of every two American adults reads a Time Inc. magazine, and one out of every five, who are online, visits a company web site (more than 50 million monthly unique visitors). Time Inc.’s popular brands and successful franchises extend to online, mobile and digital reading devices, television, events and branded products.
About Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated’s award-winning journalism powers a media company that includes the flagship magazine, SI.com, Golf Magazine, Golf.com, SI Golf Plus, SI Presents, SI Kids, SI International, SI Books, SI Mobile, SI Swimsuit, SI Social, consumer products and Live Media. Earlier this year, Sports Illustrated was named to Adweek’s list of the media industry’s hottest brands.
Source: Company press release.
