NatMags hires CHI for £10m celebrity magazine launch

LONDON - The National Magazine Company is on the verge of hiring Clemmow Hornby Inge to handle the launch of a celebrity-focused women's weekly to rival Emap's Closer, which has successfully mixed entertainment news and gossip with real-life stories.

The agency is believed to have won the account for the launch, which is tipped to be backed by a 拢10m marketing spend.

The win follows a three-way pitch involving Fallon and HHCL/Red Cell. It has been reported that the new title will be called Reveal.

This latest launch by NatMags comes as a reaction to the success of Closer's format of mixing celebrity and real-life stories among its 30- to 50-year-old market.

Latest figures show that Closer could soon even surpass Emap's youth-orientated flagship celebrity title Heat. ABC figures for July-December 2003 give Heat a circulation of 566,731, with Closer showing a creditable 385,036.

NatMags is also seeking its first ad agency in 32 years for Cosmopolitan. The publishing group has been working with Rise Communications to develop a brand strategy, which it is hoped will boost its appeal among younger consumers.

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