The magazine launches exclusively in Tesco stores, backed by a considerable promotional programme, then rolls out to retailers nationwide after this initial launch period. The cover price is £1.95.
Highlights of the launch issue include: an interview with Simon Cowell about Cheryl’s illness, an interview with Kylie on Dannii, brand new Cheryl pictures from her latest video and first listen to songs from the new album and Example talks about how he blew out the Saturdays because he doesn't like them, but is writing for Alexandra Burke because he does like her.
Senior editor, Peter Robinson commented, “X is a music magazine that’s totally different to anything we’ve seen before. It boasts the best editorial team of any pop magazine in 20 years so it looks brilliant, feels fresh and is both smart and funny. Our remit is pretty broad, so while we may cover The X Factor finalists, we are also the place to come for A-listers, Top 40 and a variety of our other favourites. X will speak to an entire generation of music fans who have grown up without a mainstream music magazine written in a language they understand.”
Robinson will be supported by a team of more than 25 staff including some of the best names in weekly magazine journalism: Rebecca Nicholson, Mark Taylor, Kevin McCreath, Caroline Corcoran, Colin Hubbuck, Sammy Wood, Jordan Paramor, Helen Bownass, Hannah Verdier and Ian McLeish. In the spirit of The X Factor, X Magazine will also be a platform for up and coming talented young writers and designers.
The magazine’s commercial team will include Jenny Taylor, formerly of Granada, GWR and Bauer, who has been appointed as Ad Director and will have the support of two Agency Sales Executives: Jamie Dodhia from Haymarket Publishing and Josie Westbrook-Caswell, formerly of Bauer and River Publishing. Laura Farrimond will join the team from Haymarket as Classified Sales Executive and the magazine is currently recruiting a Sales Manager to complete the team.
Andrew Taplin, MD of Haymarket Network added: “I’m delighted to add The X Factor to the superb list of top brands that Network works for. From the project finally being green lit just a couple of months ago, to launching a brand new women’s weekly magazine today, is an enormous credit to all the team involved, particularly Simon (Kanter) who has scoured the West End for the best in editorial talent and Cormac Bourne and Julia Dear, who have brilliantly driven the publishing and commercial pillars of the project. Countless other Haymarket and Frontline people have been involved and I think the magazine is a testament to all their efforts”.
