MusicRadar's New Look Accelerates U.S. Growth More International Sites to Be Launched

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MusicRadar.com, the world's leading website for musicians, continues its rapid growth, with a full redesign and rebranding aimed at the international market.

With an improved consumer experience as the focal point of the design, the new site has a more contemporary, cleaner look and feel. Guitar, Tech and Drums have all been given retooled homepages and branding within the site, while video and imagery will showcased by the new design.

MusicRadar.com's growth has been powered by providing a worldwide audience with:

• Independent reviews from the world's leading experts in guitars, music technology and drums
• Breaking gear news covering all the major instrument and accessory releases
• Artist interviews offering real insight into the nuts and bolts of the creative process
• Expert tuition for all levels, from beginners to experts

It's the combination of independent reviews and news, and innovative commercial packages that offers clients a unique opportunity to reach consumers. The site is already working with key manufacturers such as Korg and Roland U.S., and leading retailers like Sweetwater and Full Compass. We offer a range of commercial services from bespoke advertising and creative solutions, to Shopping Partner packages which drive direct results for our retail partners.

MusicRadar.com launched in 2007 and now drives 1.5 million unique users per month and in excess of 12 million page impressions, a number that continues to grow.

"We are already seeing great ROI for our new U.S. partners and are really excited about getting to work with all aspects of the industry," said Marie Longstaff, U.S. Account Director. "What we offer is something truly unique in the U.S. market, something which consumers really love!"

"Due to MusicRadar's ongoing growth, and the sales acceleration of our digital music making titles, we are now reaching more musicians than ever," said Rob Last, Publisher of MusicRadar.com. "We've never been in a better position to work with our partners, engaging consumers and helping them to promote their brands and ultimately deliver profits for their businesses."

"This re-design positions MusicRadar for continued global growth," adds Will Groves, Editor-in-chief of MusicRadar.com. "As well as making the site look and work better, we've reengineered the whole platform to enable the addition of further international editions, which will start rolling out in 2013."

"This is a very exciting time for me personally," said Joe Bosso, U.S. Editor of MusicRadar.com. "I've been with the site since launch, but now we're ready to really take advantage of our audience growth in the U.S."

About Future plc:
Future plc is an international media group and leading digital publisher, listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR).  Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating 200 special-interest publications, apps, websites and events.  We hold market-leading positions in Games, Film, Music, Technology, Cycling, Automotive and Crafts. Our biggest-selling products include T3, Total Film, Classic Rock and Official Xbox Magazine. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, MusicRadar.com and techradar.com (the UK's number one consumer technology website). Future sells 2.2 million magazines each month; we attract more than 45 million monthly unique visitors to our websites; and we deliver over 100 digital editions and bespoke apps on tablet. Future exports or syndicates publications to 89 countries, making us the UK's number one exporter and licensor of magazine content. Future was named Consumer Digital Publisher of the Year for the second year running at the Association of Online Publishers Awards 2012 and PPA Digital Consumer Publisher of the Year 2012.

SOURCE Future PLC