Reader's Digest Unveils Refreshed, Modern Look and Compelling Reader Experience

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reader's Digest, one of the most-read media brands in the world, today unveiled a new look and a greatly enhanced reader experience with the January 2014 issue, recapturing several of the magazine's most iconic features. Reader's Digest also introduced a new digital experience, which includes a new mobile phone app for readers who enjoy reading the magazine on-the-go, and a refreshed website look for the five million digital users.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131216/NY33549)

To capture the excitement around the redesign, Reader's Digest is offering consumers a free digital download of the January issue of the magazine: just text readup to 51684 or visit www.rd.com/free.

The redesign embraces and highlights the brand's unique mission: to create an engaging reading experience through a curated collection of uplifting, entertaining and useful stories that enriches readers' lives. Along with the new look, Reader's Digest recalibrated the pace of the magazine to provide a variety of story lengths and styles. And, of course, it wouldn't be Reader's Digest if it didn't share reader anecdotes, family-friendly jokes, witty one-liners and beautiful photographs that each tell stories themselves.

"We are extremely proud and excited to bring the new look of Reader's Digest and its enhanced reader experience to our millions of dedicated and passionate readers," said Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer, Reader's Digest. "They've told us what they love the most and we listened. From cover to cover, the new format is a reflection of our commitment to our readers and has been designed with them in mind, encouraging them to 'Read Up' at all touch points.

"Reader's Digest has been an important part of our readers' lives and of the greater American experience for nearly a century, and with our new mobile app, we are able to connect with our next generation of readers in a way that's meaningful to them no matter where they are," Vaccariello continued. "Reader's Digest is already one of the most downloaded monthly publications and its popularity with readers continues to grow."

The redesign of the flagship publication reflects the long-term strategy of the magazine's publisher, Reader's Digest Association, and is consistent with the company's commitment to invest in its core brands.

"I am incredibly excited to introduce a more compelling and modern Reader's Digest to our readers," said Robert E. Guth, Chairman and CEO of Reader's Digest Association. "This is the biggest showcase to-date of our strategy to strengthen and invest in our core brands to keep them fresh and modern, and make them even more engaging for our customers. It starts with a great product, and we are delighted that our readers continue to respond enthusiastically to our strong brands."  

Starting with the January issue, readers will see:

• A new logo that now puts the emphasis on the reader, literally, broadcasting the brand's commitment to reading and highlighting whom the brand always puts first.
• A return to the iconic table of contents that graced classic covers of Reader's Digest for decades. The cover now highlights the uniqueness of the brand with a collection of uplifting true stories, family-friendly humor, and surprising and useful information. As curators filtering endless amounts of material available, the new cover look reflects this approach in a collectible and timeless way.
• A special subscriber cover designed with a removable keepsake bookmark so readers can save their places as they read through the pages.
• New components that blend shorter, humorous columns with longer, serious reads. It also resurrects and refreshes even more classic and beloved columns such as "Points to Ponder," "That's Outrageous!," "You Be The Judge," and "The RD Interview."
• An investment in whiter, thicker paper that is easier to read and makes the pages easier to turn. Reader's Digest refined the pages' design, introducing a more streamlined look, simpler graphics, iconic photography, and more modern illustration.  
• A refreshed website and new mobile phone app. The brand redesign will continue on other platforms, including RD.com and the tablet applications, which will incorporate the clean, streamlined look and feel of the new print edition. The brand new mobile phone app will allow readers to discover all magazine content and more while on-the-go.
• New advertising. The brand launched national advertising in print, digital and broadcast media, encouraging consumers to "Read Up," and keeping the distinctive editorial voice of the brand.

Reader's Digest now provides partners with unique advertising and marketing solutions to connect their brands directly with readers, delivering them a premium and showcase presence. Top advertisers have embraced the new model, which offers limited category exclusivity and sets an editorial / ad ratio that gives readers a more streamlined reader experience – a direct response to readers' feedback.

"Our valued advertising partners enjoy being among more exclusive company in the pages of Reader's Digest," added Mark Josephson, VP, Chief Sales Officer. "As the industry continues to evolve, we are confident that the new Reader's Digest design is well-positioned to leverage our editorial strengths while offering advertisers innovative partnerships."

About Reader's Digest
Reader's Digest simplifies and enriches consumers' lives by discovering and expertly selecting the most interesting ideas, stories, experiences and products in health, home, family, food, finance and humor.  Reader's Digest is available around the world in print; online; via digital download on iPad, mobile apps, Kindle, Kindle Fire, Nook, Sony Reader and Zinio; books and home entertainment products; Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.

For more, visit: www.RD.com, follow Reader's Digest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @ReadersDigest and tag #ReadUp to join the conversation.

SOURCE Reader's Digest