CoverAwards' Exclusive Interview: Twist's Tina Donvito Says Jonas Brothers Still Tops in Teen Market

A CoverAwards’ Special!

CoverAwards spoke exclusively with Tina Donvito, the recently appointed Editor in Chief of Bauer’s Twist Magazine.  She started in June and followed Molly MacDermot, who is now the EIC of Bauer’s J-14 and M magazines.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a new EIC?

Continuing the high quality of the mag as developed under former EIC, and my mentor, Molly MacDermot. It was a challenge but I feel that we have continued the high standard of excellence.

What are the biggest trends you’re seeing in the teen market?

Disney continues its dominance over the teen market. Multi talented Disney stars (especially Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus) are everywhere with albums, TV shows, original TV movies, 3D concert movies.

Another trend is stars getting in touch with their fans directly via homemade vids and written blogs on youtube/myspace.

Who is bigger right now in the teen market? The HSM3 stars or the Jonas Brothers?

HSM3 was definitely a hit, but the Jonas Brothers are still the most popular teen stars out there.

Who are the up-n-coming stars that you think will make it big?

The stars from Twilight, Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson. Nickelodeon is also looking to compete with Disney – Victoria Justice, who signed an overall talent deal with Nick, is one to watch. The Suite Life on Deck’s new star, Debby Ryan, is also gaining popularity. For next year, JONAS (The Jonas Bros’ Disney show) stars Chelsea Staub and Nicole Anderson have the potential to break out.

Can you share some of your thinking behind the new cover of Twist for December “Diary Secrets Unlocked”?

Getting the best photos, especially the opening shot of the Jonas Brothers; selling the great stories and coverage from inside the mag via our coverlines; giving the reader added value of posters, contests, etc.

Why is it a collector’s edition?

We called it a collector’s edition because of all the great ‘collector’-type items we have inside: the HSM yearbook mega poster (commemorating all 3 HSM movies), the 10 signed star diaries (excerpts inside), etc.

What’s the strategy behind putting certain stars on the cover more than once, e.g. Nick Jonas?

I’m assuming you mean on the same cover (as opposed to month to month) – Nick is on once to open (eye-grabbing as the main shot) and once to sell the posters, so that readers know they can find a Nick poster inside.

What’s your advice for students who want to break into the magazine business?

In high school, get involved in your school newspaper, magazine or yearbook. Pursue internships during the summer. College students should also look to do internships, as well as taking courses in journalism, English and media studies.

Visit Twist online here!