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Staci Kramer reports that ESPN is close to launching premium apps for the iPad and iPhone that will offer mobile subscriptions and will be accessible to the sports network’s print and online subscribers.
The “ESPN the Magazine” iPad app and “ESPN Insider” iPhone app are currently awaiting approval for sale in Apple’s iTunes app store, according to Kramer:
“The download will be free with access to one digital issue of the bi-weekly magazine included. When the user tries to access back issues or to use the app to download a new issue, they’ll see a pop up that asks ‘Are you an Insider?’ Current members can use their ESPN Insider login; others will get an offer to become one at $9.99 for six months. That’s a significant discount from the $6.95 monthly Insider subscription; plans online also sell for $60 for two years or roughly $40 for one year.”
Gary Hoenig, general manager and editorial director of ESPN Publishing, told Kramer that the apps are not intended to drive significant revenue or subscription numbers. He described them as “value adds” that are “a great way to promote the overall Insider experience.”
Here’s an ESPN video promoting the iPad app:
