A new gardening magazine is to be launched in March, a joint project between BBC Magazines and the Telegraph Group. Provisionally called the Daily Telegraph Gardening magazine, the news stand title will be published by BBC Worldwide and distributed by Frontline.

n Newsprint revival
Consumers are spending more time reading magazines and newspapers, say the Periodical Publishers Association. The PPA quotes Henley Centre research showing more time is spent reading print media than five years ago. However, the data predicts that when compared to 1987, time spent reading newspapers will fall 20% by 2003, although time spent reading magazines will increase by 140%.

Consoling Christmas
Multi-format console gaming magazine Games TM launches from Paragon Publishing on Monday. The monthly title has been timed to capitalise on promotions of consoles over Christmas. Cover price will be £4 with distribution by Seymour.

Retailers' cash prize
Magazine publisher H Bauer is rationalising the on-sale dates for its puzzle magazines next year so they are more evenly spaced throughout the month. To coincide with the changes there are special promotions this month on its Christmas titles, which have extended on-sale dates, including a chance to win a Mini on all Take A Break branded titles. Meanwhile, retailers can win £500 via flyers publicising the changes, which can be found in wholesalers.

More money
The Economist is publishing a Christmas double issue, with an increased cover price of £3.90. On sale on December 20 and off sale on January 2, the subsequent issue will go on sale on January 3.

Marketing push
IPCtx, the division which publishes television-based titles such as TV Times and What's on TV, will be stepping up the marketing for its four magazines next year with a new marketing team.


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