Fairfax Media today announced the launch of The Sydney Morning Herald smart edition application for the iPad, an innovation in publishing that will bring a new dimension to newspaper readership that would benefit both readers and advertisers.

The smart edition app, which includes a raft of reader-friendly features, allows readers to view The Sydney Morning Herald in full on the iPad, the world's most talked-about digital device.

Fairfax Media Chief Executive and Managing Director, Brian McCarthy, said in a statement: "This is an exciting new era in publishing, and this app, with others that follow, will clearly demonstrate that Fairfax is at the forefront of innovation.

"Our great content is at the core of the applications we are developing. Whatever platform or delivery mechanism we utilise, Fairfax is about connecting audiences with our content."

The Sydney Morning Herald electronic edition app will include all editorial, sections and advertisements of the printed newspaper and replicates the printed newspaper experience - allowing readers to flip through pages just as they do with the print edition.

Readers can search for topics, people, keywords, and back copies, as well as share articles with friends and colleagues, and comment on stories.

Mr McCarthy said Fairfax Media is developing more than 40 apps.

"Teams across our print and digital divisions are working together to develop a range of apps for news media, classifieds and our transaction businesses," Mr McCarthy said. "As penetration of the iPad and other tablets increases in the market, Fairfax will be well positioned to leverage our great brands and content through this exciting new technology."

Competitive Pricing

Fairfax Media has devised an innovative pricing model for this Herald smart edition app.

Subscribers to the Herald's annual seven-day print subscription can access the app free of charge. Weekend print subscribers can access the app by upgrading to a new "Weekender" package, which costs $205 per annum and includes three days of newspaper delivery each week. Subscribers simply register through the iPad app to access the electronic edition.

New customers in New South Wales and ACT can access the app by purchasing a Weekender subscription, priced at $205 upfront for one year, or $18 every four weeks through automated direct debit payments.

New customers in states other than New South Wales and ACT can purchase a subscription to the electronic edition for the same prices: $205 upfront for one year, or $18 every four weeks.

The international electronic edition can be purchased outside Australia for $52 per annum.

Telstra will be the The Sydney Morning Herald smart edition iPad app's exclusive sponsor for the next two months.