Online TV guide leads IPC’s e-brand venture

IPC tx, the TV weeklies division of IPC Magazines, is launching a

major electronic publishing initiative in the shape of an electronic

television guide, Unmissable TV.

Launching initially on the internet, the service aims eventually to roll

out on to the cable network as a discrete TV channel and negotiations

are currently taking place with cable service providers. A third

platform is also in development through mobile phone companies.

Unmissable TV will draw on the editorial resources of IPC tx’s print

brands, TV Times, What’s on TV and TV & Satellite Week. IPC Electric,

the company’s internet division, will also play a major part in the

service, which forms part of IPC’s pounds 25 million investment in

e-commerce.

’The launch of Unmissable TV on the web is just the beginning,’ Caroline

Ward, the managing director of IPC tx, said. ’Unmissable TV opens up an

almost limitless range of e-commerce opportunities. With the power and

expertise of IPC Electric behind it, Unmissable TV is poised to become a

significant electronic brand and e-commerce player in the UK.’

Unmissable TV will include listings for more than 200 channels, a

personalised TV diary and viewing planner, information on programmes and

films, cinema listings across the UK and celebrity information.

’This is another major step in IPC’s strategy to develop its powerful

magazine brands and content into dominant new-media brands. Further

exciting plans are in the pipeline,’ Sly Bailey, the chief executive of

IPC, said.

’Our aim is to turn IPC, already the UK’s leading consumer magazine

publisher, into a world-class media group.’