Magazines and newspapers are flocking to the newly released Apple iPad – many are hoping the iPad can help to revive the dying print business by shifting it online to devices like Apple’s sleek tablet. Advertising will play a key role in the business, regardless of whether a publication decides to charge for the digital iPad subscription or offer it for free.
At least one major publication has already shown that it has what it takes to make it. The Wall Street Journal is launching on the iPad with major advertising support. Initial advertisers include Buick, Capital One, Coca-Cola, iShares, FedEx and Oracle, and they’ll be getting “innovative full-screen ad units appearing between article and section pages.”
Representatives said that the WSJ for iPad “blends the best of print and online — offering the look of the Journal while providing updated news and information, full-screen video, market data and customizable features, including the ability to save articles and full sections, such as What’s News, Marketplace, Money & Investing and Personal Journal, for later or offline reading.”
“The iPad platform allows us to thoughtfully blend the striking visuals and interaction of digital with the practical and more familiar layout
of print — an experience we believe mobile users will welcome and advertisers are already embracing,” added Gordon McLeod, president of The Wall Street Journal Digital Network.
WSJ for iPad is being offered as a stand-alone subscription for $3.99 per week from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Also, current Journal subscribers will receive full access free for a limited time.
