'Premiere' raises curtains on new-media afterlife

Movie magazine Premiere announced it will cease print publication with its April 2007 issue, but will continue as a new media brand, joining the ranks of Teen People, FHM and Elle Girl as digital-exclusive titles. Premiere content is already available to Sprint, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile subscribers. In a prepared statement, Marta Wohrle, senior VP and director of digital media at Premiere publisher Hachette Filipacchi Media, said the shift will further explore the possibilities of new media platforms. "Enthusiasts will be able to follow the making of a film throughout its production, from inception until the film reaches the movie theaters. We will also develop community areas for celebrity and movie fan clubs." Wohrle also promised increased production and delivery of daily Hollywood news, celebrity interviews, film reviews and behind-the-scenes features.

The move to digital follows a disastrous 2006 which saw Premiere revenues tumble 20.9 percent over the previous year, due in large part to an ad-page decline of 24.7 percent.

For more on the Premiere shake-up:
- read this Variety article

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