TV Guide is turning itself into a full-sized magazine focused on entertainment features and television news stories, its Los Angeles publisher says.

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Beginning with the Oct. 17 issue, TV Guide will abandon its trademark digest format packed with program listings that it has used since 1953, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

Just 25 percent of the new format will feature program listings and highlights, compared to the 75 percent it now provides, said publisher Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. of Los Angeles.

The remainder will be filled with features and news about TV programs and celebrities.

"TV Guide is the most trusted brand in television, and has been an integral, iconic part of American life for more than 50 years," said Rich Battista, chief executive officer of Gemstar-TV Guide, in a statement.

The new format comes only a few months after Battista was hired to turn around slumping circulation and advertising.