Sunderland publishers dabble in digital with football magazine

A Sunderland publisher is launching a half-print, half-digital football magazine in the hope of capturing punters’ imaginations across football grounds.

Media73 Ltd, publishers of retro football magazine, are set to release the new mag, called “Sixty6,” this weekend.

The half-and-half format means as readers find their way to the back page, they will be directed to the magazine’s website to continue online.

Former England International and current TV pundit, Peter Reid appears on both front covers for each half of the magazine and takes the mantle of guest editor, before appearing each issue this season as a columnist.

Following the initial issue, Sixty6 will continue as a digital only publication available to buy via a forthcoming free App.

Sixty6 editor in chief, Mal Robinson, said: “We always strive to provide something different for the reader, whether that be in the product or the way it is marketed or launched.

“For Sixty6 we decided the best way to entice the reader online is to offer them a slice of traditional media to send the message about the future, which is digital.”

Sixty6 also features columns from England Ladies player, Jill Scott, fresh from the Euro 2013 tournament in Sweden and also a column from The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) every issue.

Media73 Ltd were formed in 2011 in the North East of England and publish retro magazines for Sunderland AFC and Glasgow Rangers, as well as the Twenty13 fans final magazine for the League Cup final between Bradford & Swansea City.