Despite its long print heritage which stretches back over 100 years, the weekly has been building a broad-based digital presence across a range of platforms.
The move to Readly is the latest manifestation of that multi-channel strategy which reaches over 100,000 upmarket readers who appreciate its coverage of the latest books and ideas in every field, as well as critiques of opera, exhibitions, film and theatre, say the publishers.
Readly offers readers an all-you-can-read subscription with a monthly fee of £7.99 which gives them access to a range of 620 UK magazine brands as well as a growing inventory of over a thousand international titles.
Stig Abell, TLS editor, said: “The TLS operates in a media marketplace which is just as competitive as it is for any mainstream consumer title. That means that we need a dynamic distribution strategy across a number of different channels at the same time, both print and digital, in order to grab the attention of our potential audience. Readly is an excellent addition to our activity as we grow our profile and presence in both the UK and overseas markets.”
The deal brings not only the latest issues, week by week, but also an archive of back issues. Abell: “Readly will deliver a new audience for the journal, who can read the latest editions and dig into our deep coverage of modern culture. The Readly service is a great platform, which complements our other activities across the brand.”
Ranj Begley, Readly UK’s Managing Director, said: “Readly thrives on having a vibrant and wide-ranging inventory of magazines. The arrival of the TLS adds real depth to our offer. It is a real coup for us to be associated with such a strong international brand from a major publisher like News UK.”
Readly’s own research shows that consumers value a mix of being able to rely on familiar brands as well as having the freedom to trial new titles in a low-risk, low-friction environment. The service extends the reading repertoire of its subscribers, says Readly.
“We see the TLS delivering in both areas. It is a known and trusted name. Yet we will also bring the title to a new audience who may know the name, but who have never given it serious consideration in the past. We provide an answer to the publisher challenge of digital discoverability,” says Ranj Begley.
