Jackie marks 60 years

DC Thomson says debuting in 1964, Jackie became a beloved companion for millions of teenage girls, offering advice, entertainment, and a window into the ever-changing world of youth culture.

Now, the special edition bookazine, Jackie: 60 Years of Magic, celebrates the cultural and publishing legacy of one of Britain’s most influential magazines, added the publisher.

This commemorative release, filled with archival treasures and exclusive insights, pays tribute to Jackie’s impact on teenage media. Selling one million copies per week in its peak, the publisher says Jackie was the ultimate guide to pop music, fashion and lifestyle trends, setting the standard for teenage publications that followed and shaping the landscape of youth media for generations.

Maria Welch, head of magazines at DC Thomson, started her career as a writer on Jackie. She said: “As a fledgling journalist on the famous Jackie, I soon discovered that to staff and readers alike, Jackie was so much more than just a magazine – it was a way of life. Launched from the third floor of DC Thomson’s iconic building in the centre of Dundee, Jackie was the emotional support system for a generation of teenage girls and that’s why it still holds a special place in hearts decades later.

“Jackie also paved the way for a new era of teenage magazine publishing, offering a free twin heart ring with the first issue. These covermounts continued twice yearly and could add an uplift of an unbelievable 300k on a single issue, at a time when Jackie was the biggest-selling teenage paper in the English-speaking world with sales in excess on one million copies every week.

“When creating this bookazine, it was amazing to join former members of the Jackie team and lose ourselves in the DC Thomson archives, revisiting those years where happy memories and life-long friends were made. It is an absolute privilege to be a small part of Jackie’s enduring legacy and I’m proud to say that, once a Jackie girl – always a Jackie girl.”

DC Thomson magazines editor, Stuart Johnstone added: "Working on this special Jackie bookazine has been an incredible experience. I knew people loved the brand, but it was only when I started immersing myself in the world of Jackie that I began to fully understand just how much it means to generations of girls. The Jackie universe is full of good vibes and positivity and that is exactly what we have tried to reflect in this mag. I hope readers loving taking a step back into this wonderful world of hairspray, glitter, boys and pop!"

DC Thomson says highlights in Jackie: 60 Years of Magic include:

• Music Matters – An exploration of why Jackie placed pop culture at its heart, including exclusive archive material.
• Fashion and Beauty – A look back at Jackie’s era-defining style advice and how it continues to inspire.
• Matters of the Heart – Revisiting Jackie’s heartfelt advice columns and their impact on teenage readers.
• Word to the Wise – Insights into the magazine’s authentic voice that made it a trusted source of advice.
• Magical Memories – A rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of Jackie, including anecdotes from editorial staff.

Jackie: 60 Years of Magic is available to buy online at dcthomsonshop.co.uk and Amazon, and available from 13th November in selected outlets of WHSmith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Morrisons and ASDA.