US VS. INTOUCH: Who has the Better Madonna/A-Rod Cover?
It’s a big face-off this week between Us Weekly and In Touch Weekly with almost IDENTICAL covers.
Let’s break it down…
Main line: In Touch says “The Truth about their Steamy Affair” while Us Weekly goes for an old tabloid favorite “Caught.” Winner: Us Weekly. Why? Newsstand buyers will feel like Us Weekly actually “caught” the two of them together - which feels new. In Touch’s line feels like a general recap of the story.
Photos:In Touch goes for the eye contact with the newsstand buyer while Us Weekly attempts to have the two looking at each other. Strangely, both use Madonna in the orange dress. Winning photos go to In Touch. I like the A-Rod photo because he’s in a suit and tie - stay classy A-Rod!
Photo Inset: Us Weekly insets a photo of Cynthia Rodriguez and In Touch does not. This is a strong extra element for Us Weekly - especially since C-Rod has become a BIG player in this story. Winner: Us Weekly.
Insets: Both US and In Touch include Andrew Firestone’s wedding, but In Touch describes it as a dream wedding where Us uses a generic line “Andrew Firestone’s Wedding.” Winner: In Touch.
In addition, In Touch selects Angelina Jolie’s hospital drama plus a shirtless Matthew McConaughey baby joy inset. Both of these are stronger than Nicole Kidaman’s baby joy and Drew Barrymore/Justin Long split. Winner: In Touch
Price: In Touch is 2.99 and Us Weekly is 3.99. WInner: Duh. In Touch.
Bottom Line: In Touch should dominate this week and leave Us Weekly in the dust.
Posted by: Mark Pasetsky
