Digital Publishing
2 mins read

The i unveils expanded new-look iweekend

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The i, Britain’s first and only concise quality newspaper, will tomorrow be putting its new, relaunched iweekend newspaper out on the streets. With 96 pages of essential news and features, it represents the best value title responding to readers’ evolving needs and demands.

Its new crisp, modern design has built on the success of its current layout, and marks the development of content and introduction of new features across the entire newspaper.  The newly priced 80p paper will be full of on-point and accessible content, including; over 30 pages of news and comment; a 7-day summary and review of key news stories from around the UK and across the globe; a new 8-page inspirational travel section; a richer range of sports coverage, and a rotating roster of guest columnists, offering either original views on topical subjects – or creating the news agenda themselves.

Additionally, iweekend will roll out more distinctive infographics to illustrate news at a glance, while iEat food and drink will contain recipes from chefs alongside a wine tips section. A four page puzzle pull out section will comprise jumbo crosswords and Mensa brain teasers.

Tomorrow’s launch edition will be an increased 96 pages, with highlights including an exclusive column from Rachel Johnson in news, an interview with Radio 1 breakfast DJ Nick Grimshaw, plus a chat with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in iEat and Ben Fogle in sport.

The relaunch will coincide with the award-winning newspaper’s seventh anniversary later in October. In this brief time, the i has made a significant impact on the quality market, competing against larger established titles to command 20% market share (up from 17.5% at the time of Johnston Press’ acquisition) of the quality newspaper audience.

This has been achieved by consistently offering quality, credible and concise news with a value price point  – alongside a friendly and responsive daily editor’s letter showing genuine engagement with readers’ view and opinions.

The relaunch of iweekend also underlines Johnston Press’ ongoing commitment to, and investment in, the development in the paper – which delivered revenue of £14.5m in the first half of 2017, and has an average daily circulation of 269,853.

More than 50 journalists now work on the i since JP’s acquisition. Editor Oly Duff is now building further on this team strengthening in a number of departments, including sport, politics – and travel, with the recent appointment of Sophie Lam.

Oliver Duff, editor, the i and iweekend, said:“We know that weekends are a valuable time for our readers and that they want to achieve a fine balance of engaging with news, while relaxing with inspiring content. iweekend aims to do just that; we continually listen to what our readers want and this Saturday’s iweekend is the result. Delighted to offer a weekend paper that truly compliments readers’ time and needs.”