What does the internet mean to the editor of Britain’s premier celebrity weekly?

Abigail Blackburn, editor of NOW magazine, reveals her must-read websites, views on blogging and the role of showbiz gossip forums.

So, what are your favourite websites?
Abigail: I’m a regular on Wonderwall, The Superficial and People.com (and its Celebrity Baby Blog).

My guilty secret is First Lady of Style because I actually don’t feel my week’s complete if I haven’t checked out what Michelle Obama’s been wearing - I obsess about all her belts and most of her dresses.

First Lady of Style & Deadline Hollywood Daily

I also check out Deadline Hollywood Daily for US industry gossip, Girl With A Satchel to keep up with Aussie media gossip and The Style Editor because, in all seriousness, NOW’s Alison Tay is an enigma whose blog is always full of surprises, even though I can see her desk from my office.

It’s the only way I can keep up with her. 

The Digital Spy Showbiz forum has a huge user generated blind items thread. What part, if any at all, do gossip forums play in getting new stories for NOW?

A: They play a role if there’s suddenly a big interest or outcry over a celebrity who’s key for NOW’s cast list.

So if there’s a massive reaction over Jennifer Aniston or Cheryl Cole then we may well pick up on that and mention it as part of a feature.

However forums don’t generate complete stories for us as they’re still one step too removed from the celebrity and tend to be litigious. Our news team always work with great sources or they wouldn’t get any story past our lawyers.

Do you see blogs as a way to spot new writing talent for the magazine?
A: Mainly in the sense that it helps to loosen up the writing of staff who are currently blogging as well as writing on the page for the print mag.

Blogging lends itself to a much more informal style and letting that filter through to the magazine makes it feel more contemporary.

I get lots of emails from people asking me to check out their blogs, but I’m afraid I don’t always find the time to take them up on their offer, thanks to the 100+ emails I receive daily.

See Part 2 of the interview here on Drapers Online.

The new look NOW is on sale. See more on www.nowmagazine.co.uk