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OK!
12 January 2016 cover
CategoriesCelebrity
FrequencyWeekly
PublisherReach plc
First issueApril 1993; 32 years ago (1993-04)
CountryUnited Kingdom
Websitewww.ok.co.uk Edit this at Wikidata

OK! is a British weekly magazine that primarily specialises in royal and celebrity news. Originally launched as a monthly magazine, its first issue was published in April 1993. In September 2004, OK! launched in Australia as a monthly title – the magazine went weekly in October 2006. In 2005, an American version was launched, followed by an Indian edition in May 2006, a Spanish-language version in Mexico in 2006, a Bulgarian-language version in 2007 and a Spanish edition in 2008.

OK! global distribution

[edit]

OK! USA

[edit]

In 2011, American Media Inc. bought OK! USA from Northern & Shell.[1] In 2017, former editor James Heidenry stepped down, and was replaced by James Robertson. The Chief Content Editor of American Media, Dylan Howard, oversees the publication.[2][3]

Other locations

[edit]

OK! is the world's biggest celebrity lifestyle magazine, with more than 30 million readers worldwide, and now appears in 20 countries (Australia (readership of 158th as of June 2018),[4] Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, the US, Venezuela and Vietnam).[citation needed]

OK!'s Australian edition was published by Bauer Media Australia and New Zealand. In July 2020, Bauer Media's Australian and New Zealand operations were acquired by the Sydney investment firm Mercury Capital, which cancelled the magazine due to declining advertising revenue and travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][6]

Weddings

[edit]

OK! is best known for its coverage of celebrity nuptials.

In 2000, OK! had exclusive rights to publish photographs of the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, but its rival Hello! magazine published pictures as well, and OK! sued. It was awarded £1,033,156 in an initial judgment, but lost it on appeal.[7]

In October 2005, three celebrity weddings took place on the same day: those of Katie Price and Peter Andre, Kate Garraway and Derek Draper, and Samia Ghadie and property developer Matthew Smith. OK! covered them all over separate issues. The biggest wedding of the three (Price and Andre) was covered over two bumper issues.

The same happened[when?] for the wedding of Ashley and Cheryl Cole, as well as Christina Aguilera's. OK! devoted an issue to photos of Tony Parker and Eva Longoria's wedding.

Other weddings covered by OK! include:

Controversies

[edit]

Prior to Jade Goody's cancer-related death in March 2009, OK! sparked controversy by publishing an "Official Tribute Issue" with the front-page captions "In Loving Memory" and "1981–2009," even though Goody was still alive when the issue went to press.[8]

In June 2009, OK! ran another tribute issue, this time for Michael Jackson. The publication had paid a reported $500,000 for images of Jackson's body being retrieved after his death. The cover photo showed a deceased Jackson on a stretcher, in a neck brace and with an oxygen mask. "It’s a photo that captures the surprise and the upset and the moment of this breaking news story," Sarah Ivens, the magazine's editorial director, said. "I hope the cover will provoke readers."[9]

In 2010, the magazine faced more criticism after running a cover story on Kourtney Kardashian's pregnancy. It published a cover photo of Kardashian holding her son, Mason, and claimed to feature an exclusive interview revealing the secrets to her weight loss. Kardashian tweeted in response, "One of those weeklies got it wrong again…they didn't have an exclusive with me. And I gained 40 pounds [18 kg] while pregs, not 26 [12 kg]…But thanks!" She also alleged that the body on the cover was not hers, and that OK! had Photoshopped her face onto someone else's body.[citation needed]

OK! was criticised again in July 2013 when it published an issue featuring Kate Middleton on the same day she left the hospital after giving birth to Prince George.[10] The front cover of the 30 July issue advertised "Kate's Post-Baby Weight Loss Regime" [sic] and an "exclusive interview" with Middleton's trainer, who claimed that "[Kate's] stomach will shrink straight back" to its previous size.[11] On Twitter the English TV presenter Katy Hill tweeted a photo of her own postnatal body and urged fellow mothers to boycott the magazine.[12][non-primary source needed]

Hill gained support from other women who believed that the story had been posted too soon after Middleton gave birth and felt that OK! was "pressuring new moms to instantly lose the baby weight."[13] The magazine's parent company, Northern & Shell, later issued an apology in a statement published in The Guardian: "Kate is one of the great beauties of our age and OK! readers love her. Like the rest of the world, we were very moved by her radiance as she and William introduced the Prince of Cambridge to the world. We would not dream of being critical of her appearance. If that was misunderstood on our cover it was not intended."[14]

Other media

[edit]

OK! TV was an early-evening magazine program broadcast on Channel 5 as a brand extension of OK! Magazine. It replaced Live from Studio Five in February 2011 and was presented by Jenny Frost and Jeff Brazier, who replaced Kate Walsh and Matt Johnson in August 2011. An American version of OK! TV aired from 2013 to 2016.

OK! Insider is a weekly video podcast about the current issue of the magazine. It is written and presented by Layla Anna-Lee and Lizzie Cundy and produced by Simon Withington and is available on the OK! UK website.

Editors

[edit]
1995: Richard Barber
1998: Sharon Ring
1999: Martin Townsend
2002: Nic McCarthy
2004: Lisa Byrne
2012: Christian Guiltenane
2013: Kirsty Tyler
2019: Charlotte Seligman
2020: Caroline Waterston

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OK!

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
OK! is a British celebrity-focused magazine that provides , , exclusive interviews, and centered on , , , and trends. Founded in 1993 by media proprietor through his publishing company , it began as a monthly publication with its first issue released in April of that year. The magazine quickly gained popularity for its accessible approach to celebrity coverage, targeting a predominantly female audience with aspirational content featuring soap stars, reality TV personalities, and celebrities. Originally launched in the , OK! expanded internationally, establishing editions in markets such as the in 2005, in 2004, and others including , , and . The U.S. version, published initially by and later by American Media Inc. (AMI), marked a significant push into the competitive American celebrity media landscape, highlighted by high-profile deals like a $1 million multi-issue exclusive with and . At its peak in the early 2000s, the UK edition achieved circulation figures of up to 650,000 copies per issue, though sales declined to around 126,000 by 2019 and to 37,615 by 2024 amid shifts to digital media. In 2018, acquired Northern & Shell's UK publishing assets, including OK!, for £126.7 million, integrating it into a portfolio that includes other tabloid-style titles. The transitioned from monthly to weekly in 2006, enhancing its timeliness in covering breaking celebrity stories such as weddings, births, and scandals. Known for its strategy of securing exclusives through paid access and copy approval, OK! has built a reputation for trusted, visually driven that emphasizes positive, glamorous portrayals over . By the early 2020s, the U.S. print edition ended weekly publication in 2022 after 17 years, shifting focus to digital platforms under ownership by Empire Media, while the brand continues globally as a entity with websites, TV tie-ins, and special issues as of 2025.

History

Founding and early development

OK! magazine was founded in 1993 by British media entrepreneur via his company , marking the publisher's entry into the mainstream magazine market after years focused on music and adult titles. The publication debuted as a monthly title dedicated to news, gossip, and lifestyle features, positioning itself as an affordable alternative to rivals like Hello! with a cover price of £1.95 for the inaugural issue. The first issue hit newsstands in April 1993, featuring Princess Diana on the cover and setting the tone for the magazine's emphasis on exclusive access to high-profile figures through candid interviews and photography. Under initial leadership from Northern & Shell's editorial staff, OK! quickly built momentum by prioritizing relatable, non-sensationalized glimpses into celebrity lives, which resonated with a broad UK audience seeking entertainment value amid the 1990s tabloid boom. By 1996, its circulation exceeded 500,000 copies per issue, establishing it as one of Britain's top-selling celebrity magazines and driven by strategic pricing and content that democratized star culture. In response to surging demand, OK! transitioned from monthly to weekly publication in March 1996, allowing for timelier coverage of emerging trends and personalities that further solidified its market position. This early growth, peaking at around 650,000 copies during its heyday, highlighted the magazine's formula of accessible pricing and engaging, photo-heavy storytelling, which later inspired international editions.

Ownership and editorial evolution

OK! magazine was founded in 1993 by Richard Desmond's publishing group as a monthly title focused on celebrity lifestyle content. Under Desmond's ownership, the magazine expanded significantly, transitioning to a weekly format in 1996 and launching international editions to capitalize on global celebrity interest, which helped drive its growth through the 2000s. This period saw integrate OK! into a broader portfolio that included newspapers like the , fostering cross-promotional opportunities but also exposing the title to the group's controversial business practices. In February 2018, sold its publishing assets, including OK! and Express Newspapers, to (formerly Mirror) for £127 million, marking a major shift in ownership as Reach aimed to consolidate its position in the UK . The deal was structured as an initial payment of £47.7 million, followed by £59 million in deferred payments between 2020 and 2023, and £20 million in shares. Post-acquisition, Reach emphasized synergies between OK!'s celebrity focus and its digital platforms, including enhanced online content distribution via the Mirror and Express websites. Editorial leadership evolved notably during the era, with Lisa Byrne appointed as editor-in-chief in 2004, succeeding Martin Townsend. Under Byrne's tenure, which lasted until 2012, OK! shifted toward greater coverage of personalities, such as those from shows like Big Brother and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, aligning with rising audience interest in accessible narratives and boosting the magazine's appeal among younger demographics. Subsequent editors, including Christian Guiltenane (2012–2013), maintained this celebrity-driven direction while adapting to competitive pressures from digital gossip outlets. Following the 2018 ownership change, Reach introduced editorial adaptations to prioritize digital integration, such as synchronized print and online storytelling and the use of AI tools for content personalization starting in 2023. In late 2024, Reach announced a merger of OK!'s editorial operations with the to streamline celebrity and news coverage, reducing redundancies amid declining print revenues. By 2025, this evolved into a broader restructuring at Reach, placing over 600 editorial roles at risk and resulting in a net reduction of 186 positions, with a focus on multi-platform to sustain OK!'s in a digital-first . Circulation figures reflect these evolutions: the edition peaked at approximately 690,000 copies per issue in the mid-2000s under , driven by aggressive pricing and exclusive deals. By 2020, average circulation had fallen below 150,000, attributed to the rise of and free online celebrity , prompting Reach to implement print-digital hybrid strategies like bundled subscriptions by 2023. As of 2024, certified circulation stood at 37,615 per issue, with Reach reporting increased digital engagement as a counterbalance.

Content and editorial style

Core topics and format

OK! magazine centers on celebrity news as its primary subject matter, delivering exclusive photo spreads, in-depth interviews, and centered on Hollywood actors, music icons, and personalities, including figures like and . The publication emphasizes aspirational glimpses into the daily lives of A-listers, reality stars, and emerging talents, alongside coverage of entertainment trends, routines, choices, and milestones such as relationships, weddings, and career developments. This focus caters to a demographic primarily comprising women, with 40% aged 18-34, who are avid consumers of pop culture and trendsetting content (as of 2022). In terms of physical format, OK! adopts a glossy style with a trim size of 7.75 by 10.5 inches, producing visually driven issues that blend bold cover designs—often featuring dramatic portraits of celebrities paired with provocative teaser headlines—with interior layouts rich in high-quality and concise text. Recurring sections such as "Hot Gossip" for rumor roundups, "Star Style" for fashion breakdowns, and "Inside Scoop" for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights form the backbone of its editorial structure, fostering an engaging mix of news and lifestyle elements. The magazine's tone is light-hearted and approachable, promoting an aspirational yet relatable vibe that invites readers to envision themselves in the world of fame and luxury. Advertisements from and brands are integrated with content. These core topics and formatting choices not only define OK!'s brand identity but also feed into its specialized columns, such as those on weddings and events.

Signature features and columns

OK! magazine distinguishes itself through several branded columns and features that emphasize interactive and exclusive content. Exclusive access remains a hallmark, with intimate interviews providing personal narratives from stars. Complementing this, the "First Look" column offers advance previews of major events, allowing readers early insights into appearances and behind-the-scenes preparations. To enhance reader involvement, OK! incorporates interactive elements like direct Q&A sessions with celebrities and reader polls, formats that have been supported by the magazine's launched in 2010.

Global editions

United States operations

The edition of OK! was launched in 2005 under license from the UK-based , initially as a monthly publication that transitioned to a weekly format in 2006 to better compete in the competitive American celebrity media market. The debut issue featured high-profile exclusives, such as a multi-cover deal with and for $1 million, setting a precedent for aggressive celebrity access in the US. In 2011, sold the edition to American Media, Inc. (AMI), which integrated it into its portfolio alongside titles like the and , relocating operations to a New York headquarters to capitalize on proximity to Hollywood and East Coast media hubs. AMI published the US edition until 2021, when Empire Media Group acquired the digital platform and assets, marking a transition to an independent US-led team focused on multi-platform delivery. In April 2022, the weekly print edition was discontinued after 17 years, shifting emphasis to digital content, occasional special print issues, and online exclusives to adapt to declining print readership trends in the celebrity sector. This move allowed for greater flexibility in covering real-time , with the New York-based editorial team producing content optimized for web and distribution. Content in the US edition is distinctly adapted for American audiences, prioritizing domestic celebrities and Hollywood-centric stories—such as in-depth features on stars like —while allocating less space to international figures compared to the UK original. This localization strategy, supported by the New York office's access to US events and sources, enhances relevance in a market dominated by homegrown pop culture. The edition's relies on premium cover prices for special print issues, alongside robust advertising from Hollywood brands and entertainment conglomerates to sustain operations. At its peak, the edition achieved a readership of 6.6 million as of 2011, reflecting strong initial impact in the celebrity magazine landscape. By 2025, print circulation has declined to an estimated 200,000 for sporadic issues, but digital engagement remains vital, with okmagazine.com generating millions of monthly views and fostering partnerships for exclusive coverage of major events like the Oscars. This hybrid approach underscores OK!'s evolution toward sustainable digital dominance in the market.

International expansions and adaptations

OK! magazine's international expansion began in the early , with early launches in markets such as (2004), (2004), (2005), the (by 2005), (2006), and . The publisher announced plans for further European entries, including and , within the following 12 months. In 2007, OK! launched a German-language edition, representing its 14th international edition achieved in just three years. This was followed by a Spanish-language version in 2008, the 17th international edition and the fourth that year, positioned to challenge the dominant local competitor Hello! in . The Australian edition, initially monthly upon its 2004 launch, transitioned to weekly publication in 2006. These expansions featured localization tactics, including translations into local languages and adaptations to highlight regional celebrities and cultural contexts, enabling the magazine to resonate with diverse audiences. By the mid-2010s, OK! appeared in 20 countries worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to international operations. As of 2025, the brand has adopted digital-first strategies in numerous international markets, with hybrid print-digital models sustaining engagement and subscriptions, particularly in Europe.

Special coverage areas

Wedding and event reporting

OK! magazine has established itself as a leader in celebrity wedding reporting through its pursuit of exclusive access, beginning with landmark deals that transformed the genre. The publication's pioneering exclusive came in 1999 with the wedding of David and Victoria Beckham at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, for which OK! paid a record £1 million—equivalent to about £2 million today—for sole rights to photographs, interviews, and behind-the-scenes details. This coverage, spanning multiple issues with lavish spreads of the couple's purple-themed ceremony, guest list including Spice Girls members, and estimated costs exceeding £500,000, not only set a new benchmark for celebrity media but also quadrupled OK!'s circulation to 1.5 million copies, sparking widespread newsstand demand and legal battles with rivals like Hello! over unauthorized images. The magazine's style emphasizes immersive, multi-page features that provide readers with unprecedented visuals and insights, often including unseen photographs, detailed guest lists, and itemized cost breakdowns to highlight the extravagance of high-profile nuptials. For instance, OK!'s coverage of the 2018 royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle featured extensive analysis of the event at , estimating total costs at £32 million, encompassing security, floral arrangements valued at £110,000, and the bride's gown priced at around £387,000. These reports typically run 20-40 pages, blending journalistic detail with aspirational glamour to capture the event's scale and celebrity attendees, such as and . This approach has evolved into annual "Wedding of the Year" highlights, compiling standout ceremonies like Kym Marsh and Jamie Lomas's 2012 vow renewal, which included exclusive access to their Italian villa celebration attended by stars. Notable examples underscore OK!'s role in shaping event narratives, such as its 2022 exclusive on and Nicola Peltz's Palm Beach estate wedding, which detailed the £3 million affair's custom Valentino gown and A-list guests like , while navigating family dynamics around the bride's attire. The publication has also integrated modern tie-ins, previewing high-profile events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour-related celebrations in 2023, where coverage linked tour milestones to potential personal milestones amid romance speculation with . Partnerships with luxury venues, such as those featured in sponsored segments for events at historic estates, allow OK! to blend editorial content with promotional showcases, enhancing its appeal to wedding planners and aspirational readers. These features occasionally reference broader elements, like post-wedding honeymoons, to contextualize the celebrations within celebrity routines. Wedding and event reporting significantly bolsters OK!'s commercial performance, with exclusives driving substantial sales spikes; the Beckham coverage alone represented a pivotal moment in the magazine's growth, while later deals like Jade Goody's wedding issue contributed to circulation gains amid a declining market. In the digital era, OK!'s live-stream integrations and online exclusives have amplified reach, though specific 2025 metrics for event views remain emerging as the platform expands video content. This focus not only sustains reader engagement but also cements OK!'s reputation for delivering intimate, high-impact glimpses into celebrity milestones.

Celebrity lifestyle segments

OK!'s celebrity lifestyle segments offer in-depth explorations of stars' everyday routines, emphasizing aspirational elements like luxurious home environments, disciplined fitness practices, and intimate family moments. These features aim to humanize celebrities while showcasing their polished personal worlds, drawing readers into the minutiae of high-profile living. For instance, the magazine has published exclusive home tours that reveal the design choices and personal artifacts in celebrity residences, such as the 2023 video tour of actor ' home, highlighting its modern layout and family-oriented spaces. Fitness regimes form a cornerstone of these segments, with OK! detailing the workouts and transformations that keep stars in peak condition. A 2025 article, "Celebrities and Their Fitness Routines: What's Really Behind Body Transformations," breaks down the training secrets of figures like and , including high-intensity sessions and recovery techniques tailored to demanding schedules. Family insights add emotional depth, as seen in the 2021 feature "5 Healthy Habits Celebs Promote With Their Kids," where stars like , , and share strategies for instilling wellness, from shared meal prep to active playtime. The format typically combines vivid photo essays with Q&A interviews to create immersive narratives. "Day in the Life" profiles exemplify this approach, such as the 2022 exclusive on actress , which chronicles her routine from 5:30 a.m. call times to late-night shoots, blending professional demands with personal downtime. These segments have evolved from static print diaries in the to dynamic , including video tours and app-exclusive material that fosters greater interactivity for readers. Audience engagement remains high, with lifestyle content driving significant social media interaction; OK!'s Instagram, boasting over 450,000 followers as of November 2025, sees strong responses to such posts, averaging measurable shares and comments that amplify reach. Collaborations further enhance this, as in the 2024 OK! Beauty Box partnership with wellness brand Rodial, featuring celebrity-endorsed skincare tied to lifestyle routines. These elements underscore OK!'s focus on relatable yet enviable glimpses, occasionally linking to event prep like how daily fitness supports red-carpet readiness.

Controversies

One of the most prominent legal disputes involving OK! magazine centered on privacy invasions during celebrity events. In 2000, actors and granted OK! exclusive rights to publish photographs from their wedding for £1 million, aiming to control media access and protect their privacy. However, rival publication Hello! obtained and printed unauthorized images, leading OK! to sue for breach of confidence and interference with commercial relations. The case, Douglas v Hello! Ltd, progressed through courts, with the initially awarding OK! £1.03 million in damages in 2003, recognizing the commercial value of exclusivity and the couple's expectation of privacy. The dispute escalated to the Court of Appeal in 2005, which overturned the damages award to OK!, ruling that commercial interests alone did not justify protection under confidence law without a personal privacy element, though it upheld the finding of breach. The ultimately restored limited damages in 2007, affirming OK!'s claim for commercial loss but emphasizing the need to balance media freedom with rights, particularly for high-profile individuals. This ruling set a for protecting commercial confidentiality in media deals while highlighting ethical concerns over intrusive , influencing subsequent litigation. OK! faced further scrutiny during the 2011-2012 into press ethics, prompted by the phone-hacking scandal at other outlets. Editor Lisa Byrne testified in January 2012, defending the magazine's practices amid questions about accuracy and privacy intrusions. Inquiry counsel Robert Jay QC challenged a January 2012 cover story on Kate Middleton's 30th birthday, which implied intimate details without direct sourcing, raising concerns over misleading headlines that could invade personal privacy. Byrne maintained the story relied on "" and did not cross ethical lines, but the session exposed tensions between commercial pressures and journalistic standards in celebrity reporting. In response to the Leveson Inquiry's findings, which criticized aggressive paparazzi tactics and unchecked celebrity coverage across the industry, the broader press implemented changes aligning with the formation of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) in September 2014 as a self-regulatory body. OK! was not directly implicated in —its parent company withdrew from the Press Complaints Commission in 2011 amid broader scandal fallout without facing specific settlements. These incidents contributed significantly to evolving UK media regulations on celebrity privacy. The Douglas v Hello! case helped establish misuse of private information as a distinct tort under the Human Rights Act 1998. Leveson recommendations, influenced by testimony from OK! and peers like Heat and Hello!, informed the 2012 Royal Charter on press self-regulation, which emphasized arbitration for privacy disputes and led to a 40% rise in successful celebrity injunctions during the decade.

Public backlash incidents

In 2013, OK! magazine encountered widespread public criticism for a cover story titled "Kate's Post Baby Weight Loss Regime," released less than 48 hours after the gave birth to Prince George. The feature included headlines like "She's Super Fit – Her Stomach Will Shrink Right Back" and promoted a "Duchess Diet and Shape-Up Plan," which many viewed as body-shaming and insensitive to new mothers by emphasizing rapid and idealized postpartum figures. The backlash unfolded rapidly on , particularly OK!'s page, where users labeled the cover "unacceptable," "disgusting," and "vile," accusing the publication of reducing women's value to their appearance and pressuring the Duchess during a vulnerable time; calls for a of the issue gained traction among readers. OK! responded by issuing a public apology, expressing for any offense caused and emphasizing their intent to celebrate the royal birth rather than criticize. Earlier, in a case highlighting photoshop practices, OK! faced accusations of altering Kourtney Kardashian's postpartum body on a cover to depict her as having fully recovered her pre-pregnancy figure, reusing and editing an image from another publication shortly after the birth of her son Mason in December 2009. Kardashian publicly denounced the manipulation, stating it misrepresented her actual body and contributed to unrealistic expectations for new mothers. On the front of sensationalism, OK! drew ire in 2009 for its cover featuring a $500,000-licensed photo of on a amid efforts, published days after his death; critics condemned the image as exploitative and tasteless, prioritizing over respectful commemoration of the singer's life. These incidents underscored broader concerns about OK!'s approach to celebrity coverage, prompting the magazine to adjust its editorial sensitivity in response to public feedback, though specific quantitative changes in content practices remain undocumented in available reports.

Digital and television ventures

OK! expanded its brand into with the launch of OK.co.uk in , providing an hub for celebrity , exclusive photos, and that complemented the print edition. The quickly became a key platform for real-time updates, evolving to include features like galleries and videos. By September 2025, OK.co.uk attracted 6.7 million monthly unique visitors, with 67% female, establishing it as a leading destination for content in the UK. The rollout in the early , with significant updates around 2012, introduced push notifications for breaking stories, enhancing user and on and Android devices. This digital shift allowed OK! to deliver personalized alerts on events like appearances and scandals, driving daily interactions. The app's free access model, supported by ads and partnerships, has broadened the brand's reach beyond traditional readers. In television, OK! launched "OK! TV" as a daily entertainment magazine show on Channel 5 in the UK in February 2011, featuring interviews, segments, and live reports until its conclusion in December 2011. The US adaptation debuted on in 2013, running until 2019 and focusing on Hollywood gossip and exclusive access, adapting the magazine's style for broadcast audiences. OK! also produced specials, including virtual formats in 2020 amid the , such as remote coverage of celebrity awards like the Emmys to maintain event reporting. OK!'s content strategy emphasizes extensions, with video interviews and live streams—exemplified by 2024 Emmy coverage featuring stars like —integrated across platforms for immersive experiences. The "Hot Headlines from OKmagazine.com" , started in 2022, offers daily audio recaps of showbiz news, appealing to on-the-go listeners. These ventures, part of Reach PLC's portfolio, generated digital revenue growth of 2.1% in Q3 2025, accounting for an increasing share of overall earnings through ads, sponsorships, and ties like the OK! Beauty Box. Key milestones include the 2018 integration with Reach PLC's broader digital assets following its acquisition, enabling cross-promotions with titles like the . These efforts have positioned digital and TV as vital evolutions from the magazine's print roots, sustaining audience loyalty amid shifting media consumption.

Licensing and merchandise

OK! has extended its brand into merchandise through the launch of the OK! Beauty Box, a monthly subscription service offering curated products. Introduced in November 2020, the Beauty Box provides subscribers with five expert-approved items, typically valued at over £80, including full-size and deluxe samples from premium brands such as Eve Lom, Nip + Fab, and Balance Me, along with a beauty guide and vouchers for OK! issues. In November 2025, marking its 5-year anniversary, the service announced it had shipped over 600,000 boxes. The initiative features strategic partnerships with beauty brands and influencers to create themed and limited-edition boxes, enhancing product discovery and brand exposure. Notable collaborations include editions curated by Hannah Martin, celebrities Lisa Snowdon and , and dermatologist Dr. Obagi Ejikeme, with top-selling boxes emphasizing skincare, holiday gifting, and seasonal edits like the 2024 Sundown Edit and 2025 Smart Skincare Edit. By 2024, the OK! Beauty Box had maintained over 15,000 monthly subscribers. These merchandise efforts contribute significantly to Reach plc's non-media revenue streams, with the Beauty Box driving a 42% year-on-year increase in 2024 through 235,659 boxes sold, supporting broader growth of 39% and non-advertising income up 51%. The line also bolsters utilization via in-house commercial licensing practices that authorize third-party use of !-endorsed content and imagery. In terms of licensing, OK! engages in agreements for content and image rights, enabling brands to incorporate magazine-exclusive photos and features into promotional materials, though specific deal volumes remain undisclosed in public reports. Merchandise promotion occasionally ties into digital platforms, such as app-based subscriber perks.

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  40. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/39366/OK-to-KO-Hello-in-Spain
  41. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/mar/09/pressandpublishing4
  42. https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-pictures/inside-victoria-david-beckhams-spectacular-33158253
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGvKV0d-LbQ
  44. https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/royal-wedding-cost-security-who-14394787
  45. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-praised-for-donating-royal-wedding-flowers-to-hospices-and-womens-refuges-a3844286.html
  46. https://www.ok.co.uk/royal/royal-news/meghan-markle-clothes-dress-costs-14354646
  47. https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/gallery/ok-magazine-best-wedding-covers-26498762
  48. https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/magazines/jade-goodys-wedding-deal-pays-off-for-ok-magazine/
  49. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/aug/13/magazine-abcs-ok-jade-goody-womens-weeklies
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHudWRG7vks
  51. https://okmagazine.com/p/celebrities-and-their-fitness-routines-whats-really-behind-body-transformations/
  52. https://okmagazine.com/p/fit-family-kristen-bell-kate-hudson-michelle-obama-healthy-habits-kids/
  53. https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/emmerdale-claire-king-interview-video-26047292
  54. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pagesuite.droid.okmagazinenew
  55. https://www.instagram.com/okmagazine/?hl=en
  56. https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/beauty/ok-beauty-box-rodial-makeup-33544349
  57. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/apr/11/pressandpublishing.film
  58. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b058b209-d908-48cc-be0c-e81ed8b24783
  59. https://content.next.westlaw.com/practical-law/document/I5cb6c077e84e11e398db8b09b4f043e0/Hello-magazine-overturns-damages-awarded-to-OK-magazine-for-breach-of-commercial-confidence?viewType=FullText&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)
  60. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jan/18/leveson-inquiry-ok-kate-middleton
  61. https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/heat-hello-and-ok-editors-justify-royal-coverage-at-leveson-inquiry-7309077.html
  62. https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/leveson-inquiry-privacy-/s2/a547524/
  63. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16607151
  64. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt201012/jtselect/jtprivinj/273/273.pdf
  65. https://www.legalcheek.com/lc-journal-posts/privacy-celebrities-and-the-media/
  66. https://her.ie/celeb/an-utter-disgrace-ok-magazine-receive-backlash-over-tasteless-post-baby-and-kate-middleton-cover-32836
  67. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/royal-baby-ok-apologises-to-readers-following-calls-to-boycott-magazine-over-duchess-of-cambridge-diet-8731492.html
  68. http://www.thedrum.com/news/ok-magazine-ignites-web-backlash-over-claims-post-baby-kate-needs-lose-weight
  69. https://www.digi5studios.com/blog/10-known-photoshop-disasters-on-the-cover-pages-of-leading-magazines/
  70. https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ok-magazine-michael-jackson
  71. https://www.hurstmediacompany.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OK.CO_.UK_SOLUS-04.09.25-1.pdf
  72. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ok-mag/id418893334
  73. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/nov/08/channel-5-axe-ok-tv
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x9PouSRPag
  75. https://okmagazine.com/p/ayo-edebiri-freaked-out-meeting-reba-mcentire-2024-emmys/
  76. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-headlines-from-okmagazine-com/id1622401694
  77. https://pressgazette.co.uk/media_business/reach-q3-2025-results/
  78. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/nov/23/daily-mirror-and-ok-magazine-to-merge-staff
  79. https://www.okbeautybox.co.uk/blogs/news/the-launch-box
  80. https://www.okbeautybox.co.uk/
  81. https://www.instagram.com/p/DRIVd6hiNdi/
  82. https://www.reachplc.com/news/2024/ok--beauty-box-ships-500-000th-box
  83. https://www.okbeautybox.co.uk/products/the-limited-edition-ok-beauty-box-by-dr-ejikeme-worth-over-235
  84. https://www.reachplc.com/content/dam/reach/corporate/documents/investors/annual-reports/ar-2024/annual-report-2024.pdf
  85. https://pressgazette.co.uk/media_business/reach-results-2024-revenue-digital-growth-profits/
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