Digital editions the fastest growing format in magazine publishing

All magazines record ever rising numbers of readers who prefer the digital edition to the printed one. There are a number of reasons for this: some of them „think green“, some can only manage things digitally because they are always on the run, and some are simply tech enthusiasts and love all things digital.

The established independent research company BPA has published its research on the subject, determining who is on top in digital readership. As expected, the top 20 places go to technical magazines, which have recorded on average a 2% increase in exclusive digital readership. Oracle magazine has the lead with 118.000 of 516.000 readers going digital. The Renewable Energy Focus has the largest portion of readers who rely solely on the digital version, with an amazing 67% share.

According to the Gilbane Group, the number of B2B publications in the last year increased by 300%, and digital consumer information by 200% (as well as the number of its readers). On the basis of the information gathered it was established that the number of digital publishers will rise from 3.286 in 2007 to 8.000 in 2009 (by 247 %), while the number of digital publications will rise from 13,5 mio. to 31,5 mio. (by 236 %).

Digital format for publishers with creative ideas

By estimate, the digital edition gets the wind under its wings as soon as it reaches a 25 – 30% share of subscription. Besides meeting the needs of the readers, the new digital media can be exactly what the publishers need. Many examples show that the digital edition helped to realise business models which would otherwise fail. By using this technology, publishers could opt for niche covering of the entire global market with highly specialized content (specialized readership over global area), or simply decrease the delivery cost to remote regions.

The modern magazine tries to adapt to its readers to the best of its ability. Most publishers stick to both the printed and digital edition. Mainly for fear, that going digital could cause them to lose their advertisers. However, research show that this will not be the practice for much longer.