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Viva goes digital, launching new website and Newsstand app

The New Zealand Herald’s weekly lifestyle and fashion lift out Viva is getting a makeover, along with it a brand new website and a Newsstand app.

Launching next Wednesday is a redesigned look for the 15-year-old magazine. Editor Amanda Linnell says the project has been four months in the making, although initial discussions were going on far before then.

“We’ve had feedback from people, they love Viva and it’s always been don’t change a thing…

“What we’re doing is building on Viva’s strong print presence and taking it to a much broader audience by going digital,” she says.

The web and Newsstand versions will incorporate more imagery, video and behind the scenes content. Interactive elements such as look books and retail deals are also in the works. Linnell says the web version in particular will allow the publication to reach its audience daily, instead of being just a Wednesday experience.

With a new way of storytelling comes a new set of skills that’s required for Viva’s editorial and design team. Linnell says for the most part existing talent will be made use of, although freelancers will be hired when required.

The Newsstand version will be available before the print is every Wednesday and will be an interactive facsimile of what’s in print. It will initially be free, but Linnell says it will transition into a paid-for model in the future.

Advertisers currently paying for print placements won’t automatically be moved to the interstitial spots on the Newsstand version. Linnell says a major sponsor for the app edition will be announced at launch.

The website redesign was done internally, but the app was made in partnership with Australian-based Oomph, which was also behind Tangible Media’s NZ Rugby World app.

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