Turning up the heat

heat sold an average of 65 875 copies every week for the period January to March 2005, at a premium cover price of R14.95. This new heat circulation figure shows an increase of 18 517 copies per week more than heat's previous ABC for the period July to December 2004 of 47 358.

According to publisher Kim Browne, heat's massive circulation success can be ascribed to an excellent editorial product, marketed aggressively. "heat is only one year old and has already had a massive impact on the South African magazine market," says Browne.

"Importantly, heat now sells 260 000 copies in total every month. In retail sales value (RSV) terms heat is now a major magazine brand, delivering R48.5m on an annualised basis. heat's RSV is up 38%, in line with its circulation," Browne continues.

This means heat is one of the most valuable magazines in South Africa, she says.