Meredith’s Entertainment Weekly print product to become a monthly

US publisher Meredith has announced today a reimagining of the Entertainment Weekly brand that includes People deputy editor JD Heyman taking the reins as editor-in-chief, along with increased investment in EW.com and digital, social, video and experiential platforms.

Henry Goldblatt is stepping down as EW’s editorial leader after a 17-year tenure.

The August issue will mark Entertainment Weekly’s first as a monthly and is timed to Comic Con, the largest celebration of the contribution of comics to art and culture. Featuring a perfect binding, the monthly issue is promising more insider access, humour and in-depth coverage about the entertainment world in a more deluxe product. The magazine will continue to produce special interest magazines to coincide with big entertainment industry moments.

The last issue of Entertainment Weekly in its current print form will be the July 5 issue on sale June 25.

Meredith said it will enhance its 24/7, up-to-the-minute entertainment news on its EW digital, social, video and experiential platforms, including its weeklong and monthly digital packages, digital-only feature reporting and in-depth guides for tentpole events.

It will also produce first-ever digital-only covers featuring A-list stars of a major movie franchise with the first scheduled for release in the first week of July. A full EW audio slate with podcasts and connected audio platforms, as well as a completely refreshed video slate, is planned. Also, more exclusive screenings, panels, curated events and festival partnerships, including the Toronto International Film Festival, are in the works.