New weekly makes Australian debut

Magazines may be facing a grim future in Australia but that hasn't stopped Dennis Publishing from launching a local version of its current affairs and opinion magazine, The Week.

Not since The Bulletin (which was closed last year due to declining circulation figures) has there been a weekly news magazine in Australia. The closest contender is the independent magazine, The Monthly.

Dennis Publishing has committed $5 million to the launch with promotions including outdoor advertising, direct marketing and sampling activity. The first three editions of The Week (pictured) will have a special cover price of $2, rising to $4.95 with the fourth issue.

Quality Print Group scored the printing contract, however a spokeswoman for The Week was not able to reveal the magazine's print run.

Stories in issue one include the US presidential election, commentary on Malcolm Turnbull and opinions on whether parliaments should retain the Lord's Prayer.

"The week isn't a conventional news magazine," said David Salter, editor-in-chief.

"We take no positions and parade no opinions of our own, it offers only our balanced account of the best of the media."