Star magazine, the BBC Worldwide celebrity title for teenagers, is
to close after just one year.
The six-month circulation figure of 130,400 proved an unmatchable high
point despite heavy promotion from the publisher. 'It has not shown the
necessary sales potential,' a spokesman admitted.
The final issue of the fortnightly magazine, which costs £1.70,
will be out next week, leaving staff such as editor-in-chief Jeremy Mark
and deputy editor Peter Hart looking for jobs.
Some staff will work on forthcoming youth-oriented projects, according
to Lindsaye Fox, publishing director of Worldwide's teen titles.
But the Star name will not reappear, the spokesman said: 'It isn't a
brand with any heritage of its own, it is not one that is clearly
identified by the audience. It is a fast-moving market. Titles come and
go.'
BBC Worldwide said Top of the Pops, the monthly 281,400-selling title,
proves the corporation can sustain a publication in this sector.
