The move will mark a massive departure from traditional newspaper CD-Rom inserts and will give the widely acclaimed The Month extra capacity and scope for new interactive functions.
The DVD will also allow readers to access some of the interactive functions of The Month via television sets, rather than only being available on computers.
Times Newspapers made the switch following a survey of The Month readers which revealed more households had access to a DVD player than a CD-Rom.
Andrew Mullins, marketing director of Times Newspapers, said: “Although our CD-Rom format is popular and has a loyal following, we have now reached the point where more Sunday Times readers have DVD players at home than access to CD Rom drives.
“Research also shows us that our readers prefer to use DVDs on Sundays and it is clear that the future is with DVD.”
Despite some initial scepticism by many in the industry, The Month has won over many critics with its sound technology and what some now believe is a first-in-the-market advantage.
Mullins said: “The Month continues to be an effective circulation driver attracting a young, entertainment savvy audience.
“Latest research shows that over 60% of users of The Month are under 44 years of age and that 66% of those surveyed spent more than 20 minutes using the disc.
“We are convinced that the new DVD format will help to extend this market even further.”
By Kevin May
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