BBC Worldwide to launch NTL-branded Radio Times

BBC Worldwide has teamed up with NTL to produce a tailored edition of its listings guide, Radio Times, for the cable company’s customers.

It is the first time that the publisher has produced an edition of the magazine for a third party. BBC Worldwide claims copies will be counted by the Audit Bureau of Circulations as part of the Radio Times total circulation figure, which was 1.2 million for the six months to June.

The special edition magazine will replace the cable company’s monthly NTL Guide from the first television week of January. NTL Guide had been produced by Scorpio – a joint venture between Telewest Broadband and NTL – which is being closed down. About 260,000 of NTL’s customers have been paying &£1 a month to receive the magazine.

All NTL customers will be offered the chance to receive the weekly special edition Radio Times magazine for 83p a week, including postage and packing. The Radio Times’ newsstand cover price is 85p.

The special edition will carry a reference to NTL Home on the cover and extra listings for NTL channels. The film review and TV choice sections will be edited with NTL customers in mind.

NTL Home managing director Aizad Hussain says: “This is another example of NTL adding value to its digital TV service through partnerships with big brands.”

Earlier this month, NTL and Sainsbury’s launched an exclusive interactive shopping service.