Jack was launched to critical acclaim in April 2002 by James Brown's publishing company I Feel Good, with backing by Dennis founder Felix Dennis.
However, despite being lauded by the press, the magazine's circulation has languished between 20,000 and 30,000. Confirmation of these circulation figures will come next week when Jack reveals its first official ABC audit with release of the January-to-June figures.
Jack was initially promoted by PR and newsstand promotions and has never before used covermount incentives.
From the November issue, available on October 16, the new-look Jack will run with a minimum of 308 pages, up 21% from its current size. Its format will increase to a size similar to that of National Geographic magazine, which is somewhere between A5 and A4, and its cover price will rise to £3.00 from £2.50.
The new size will help the magazine stand out more at retail, whereas before it used backing boards.
The publisher is to use covermount giveaways on the November and December issues, a strategy that will be reviewed.
Publisher Bruce Sandell said that the deeper pockets of its new owner would allow Jack to attain its potential.
"The changes we are making will strengthen the product significantly. Jack has already received tremendous support from readers and advertisers. This extra investment and resource from Dennis will mean we can continue to build on that success," said Sandell.
When Dennis took over Jack, Brown resigned as editor to take up a consulting role. He was replaced by former Maxim executive editor Michael Hodges and Alan Lewis as editorial consultant.
According to Hodges: "There is a team at Jack that any editor would be proud to work with: there is great talent here and, with James Brown’s continuing involvement as consultant editorial director, I can guarantee writing and ideas that stand Jack far apart from the 'small c' conservative and suburban titles that have previously characterised this end of the market."
Steve Read, who recently oversaw the launch of Trash at Conde Nast, has been appointed creative director. Before Conde Nast, Read worked on Talk, the now-defunct New York glossy set up by Tina Brown, which folded early last year.
Read's brief is to head a restructured art team, which will "work
towards making visual sophistication Jack's trademark", according to a statement.
Hodges said: "Our new format opens up possibilities for making Jack look even better and increasing its well-earned reputation for great photography."
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