One guy that has successfully done this, in my opinion, is Pavel Ciorici of WP Zoom.    Earlier this year he released his first premium WordPress theme, the Yamidoo theme.   The title of the theme is interesting enough that it grabs your attention, then when when you look at the theme, it is hard not be impressed!

Now, Pavel has released his second premium theme, the Zenko theme, which I wanted to mention here.  With this new magazine theme, the homepage design is a traditional magazine theme layout, but is designed in a way to feature the most important content in areas where readers will see it.   Here is a default sample of how the homepage features your top content:

Zenko Magazine Theme Homepage

The homepage is also very image intensive, which is an important part of a magazine-style homepage to draw the readers attention.   For the internal pages, the Zenko theme switches to a more traditional blog page layout with the sidebar on the right side:

Zenko Magazine Theme Post Page

A full live demo of the Zenko theme can be viewed here.

The Zenko theme also includes a number of great features.   Some of my favorite parts are the featured content and popular posts on the top of the homepage, the built-in navigation designed to function like the WP-PageNavi plugin, and of course the footer area, which was designed to provide a place for you to put your less important content (footer is a great place to put categories, archives, etc. so they are available for readers that want to find it, but is also out of the way for people not looking for it).

Other features included with the Zenko theme:

• Built in support for Google Analytics and Feedburner
• Integrated Banner Management System
• Custom templates for categories, archives
• Auto-resizing and cropping for images
• Threaded Comments for WordPress 2.7+
• Built-in widgets
• Support for WordPress 2.7.1
• Cross-Browser Compatible – tested on IE (6,7), Opera, Firefox, Safari, Chrome.
• Flickr widget
• Theme Documentation
• Integrated Theme Options
• Tabbed Widgets
• Widgetized Sidebars
• Built-in Gravatar Support for Authors & Comments
• Drop-Down Menus
• Integrated social bookmarking in posts
• Photoshop Files (.psd) included

I also had the privilege of digging through the backend of this theme and was glad to see the code structure is very SEO friendly and well setup for someone who prefers to manually hack their code.  Another thing that I really liked was the fact that this theme doesn’t require any WordPress plugins or custom fields to function properly.   I always try to find at least one thing missing, and the one feature that I couldn’t find was the option of a traditional blog template for the homepage, which has become a pretty common addition with most premium themes.

Pavel also has a very competitive pricing structure, which allows just about any WordPress user to be able to acquire one of his themes.   Currently, the Zenko theme can be purchased for $69.00 (single-use license), $119.00 (for 5 site license), or $149.00 (developer’s license).

Have questions?  Want to learn more about this theme?  Check out the official Zenko theme page by WP Zoom.

• 100+ Killer WordPress Resources – Steffan Antonas, who has been a big supporter of this site, has published a huge list of WordPress resources.   If you are looking for additional tweaks you can do on your blog this is a great place to start.
• When to Use a Magazine-Style Theme – Smashing Magazine recently took a look at magazine/news WordPress themes and tried to determine when you should or shouldn’t consider using one.   This is a very detailed and well researched write up that i recommend to anyone considering making the switch for their blog.
• Stop Blaming the WordPress Team – Are you to quick to blame the WordPress team for problems with your WordPress installation?   Jeff Chandler basically took my thoughts on this matter and wrote it down into an incredible post.   A HUGE portion of the problems people experience with WordPress are usually due to an issue with a WordPress plugin made by someone that isn’t on or affiliated with a WordPress team.
• First Look at WordPress 2.7 – Another great post by Jeff at Weblog Tools Collection.   This one offers a very detailed early look at what to expect for WordPress 2.7.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the things WordPress Hacks is most known for is our WordPress theme galleries.   Because of this, we have worked really hard to maintain them by both adding new themes as they are released, as well as removing older themes that are either outdated, are no longer available, or are no longer supported by their authors.

One of the most common requests I get via our contact form is to break apart our galleries into more of a niche focused display of WordPress themes.  Because we aim to serve, this post will be the first of a three part series breaking down the premium WordPress themes available.    Next we will be going through our free galleries and looking for more helpful ways to display those as well.

This first WordPress gallery was designed to feature some of the best News and Magazine Premium WordPress themes currently available for purchase.  I included both styles because the lines are kind of blurred between the two and I didn’t want any debate over which category each one falls under.  Themes are not listed in any particular order and I have included any listed features with the theme whenever it was possible.

Revolution Church Theme

• 3-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Lifestyle Theme

• 3-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

One Theme

• Five Color Schemes: Blue | Green | Pink | Black | Red
• Custom Control Panel
• Widget Ready
• Javascript Drop Down Menus
• Custom Search Result Page
• Archive, Links & Sitemap Templates
• Child Pages Ready
• Child Categories Ready
• Numbered Comments
• Valid XHTML/CSS – Full div layout (no tables)
• SEO Optimized Code
• Logo Design Service Available
• Theme Installation Service Available
• Two Homepage Layouts
• Tracking Ready (Statcounter/Google Analytics)
• Unique “Hot Conversation” Plugin

Single-Use ($99.95), Three-Use ($199.99), Developer’s License ($299.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Open Air Theme

• An unique homepage layout.
• The ability to switch the look between magazine layout and a personal blog design.
• Non-obtrusive video player, which will aggregate all of your videos into one, easy-to-use-space.
• Integrated Theme Options (for WordPress) to tweak the layout, color scheme etc. for the theme.
• Automatic Image Resizer, which is used to dynamically create the thumbnails and featured images.
• Custom Page Templates for Archives, Sitemap, Image Gallery & Video Player.
• Built-in Gravatar Support for Authors & Comments.
• Integrated Banner Management script to display randomized banner ads of your choice site-wide.

Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Vybe Theme

• Theme settings page in your WordPress control panel (see screen shots below).
• 2-column or 3-column layouts.
• 10 different color options with control panel setting for further customization.
• Optional featured article glider for home page.
• Gravatar integration.
• Optional banner ad integration.
• Optional built-in post thumbnails.
• Optional logo/header image integration via control panel.
• Built-in site search.
• Built-in drop-down navigation for sub-categories and sub-pages.
• Built-in author page and author profile with Gravatar support.
• Comment and trackback separation.
• Post author comments highlighted.
• Original Photoshop files (PSDs) available for download via control panel.

Basic (Single License $99.00), Premium (Multiple Use $199.00), Developer ($299.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Gemini Theme

• 3 color schemes
• AJAX featured article section
• Drop down navigation menu
• Integrated social bookmarks and social voting options
• Side blog on homepage
• Featured video section
• Semantic and up to date xhtml and css
• Custom modifications available on request

Single-Use ($60.00), Developer’s ($120.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Pass It On Theme

• Cool Link Feature – Visitors see a green check mark beside links they have already visited.
• Social Media Ready – Check out the custom social bookmarking integration at the top of each post page.
• Premium Ad Placement – Plenty of places for ads to help you make more money from your blog.
• Related Posts – Related posts built into the content to promote click-thrus.

Single-Use ($85.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Fresh News Theme

• 6 Different Colors to Choose From
• Automatic Image Resizer (requires PHP GD Library to work)
• Custom Page Templates for Archives, Sitemap & Image Gallery
• Built-in Gravatar Support for Authors & Comments
• Author Profiles & Archives
• Featured news section
• Video Panel (for use with Flash videos)
• Traditional Blog Layout (for homepage)
• Integrated aside / side blog section within the sidebar of the theme (optional)
• Navigation Drop-down Menu’s
• Sidebar Tabbed Box
• 2 different homepage layouts (featured section)
• Integrated Banner Ad Management
• Integrated Flickr & Feedburner

Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Magazine Theme

• Widget-Ready, User-Friendly, and Optimized for WordPress Versions 2.2 and Above
• Five Different Home Page Layouts
• Four Different Category/Archive Page Layouts
• Home Page Featured Article Glider Box
• Built-In Banner Ad Blocks
• Built-In Site Guide in Right Sidebar
• Customized Recent Comments in Sidebar With Gravatar Support
• Author Bio Information and Gravatar Included on Single Post Pages
• Alternating Color Comments With Gravatar Support

Basic (Single License $99.00), Premium (Multiple Use $199.00), Developer ($299.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Shiva Pro Theme

• Widget Ready
• Google AdSense Ready
• Gravatar Ready

Single-Use ($89.00), Multiple-Use ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Tauren Pro Theme

• Widget Ready
• Google AdSense Ready
• Gravatar Ready

Single-Use ($69.00), Multiple-Use ($128.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Flash News/Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Premium News: Gazette Edition

Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Deep Blue Theme

• BBPress Integrated Theme for message boards.
• Customized Author Pages.
• User Avatars.
• Featured Articles.
• Customized Category and Search Results.

Single-Use License ($50.00), Developer’s Pack License ($199.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Arthemia Premium Theme

• Theme Admin Panel
• Choose a color for each category
• Drop-down menu
• Automatic thumbnail generation
• Widgetized sidebar and footer
• Ad banner management

Single License ($70.00), Five Licenses ($140.00), Developer’s Pack ($240.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Time Cafe News Theme

• Choose between 3 Different Colors
• Easy to use theme option menu
• 300×250, 468×60 and 125×125 ad ready
• Built-in image slider
• Custom page templates
• Built in Feedburner Newsletter and RSS options
• Drop-down menu
• Embed video code ready
• Front end login
• Custom typography
• WordPress 2.7 Compatible
• Custom page templates

Unlimited Use License ($79.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Traveler Theme

• Choose between Advertisement-Ready version and Advertisement-Free version
• 2 Styles (Full Features & Clean)
• Ad your AdSense or Image Link Code
• Turn all-or-individual banners on/off
• Quick Post – No need to put an image
• Image Auto Resizer
• Random Video Rotator (copy/paste code)
• Flickr Integration
• Build your Own Menu from the Theme Options
• Drop Down Menu (Build your Own)
• Ad your own Logo and Styles Easily
• Unique Post Randomizer
• Main News Section
• Widget Ready
• Customized Archives and Search Pages
• Stylesheet switcher
• Feedburner Integration

Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($179.95), Developer’s License ($279.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Celebrity Press Theme

• 2 Colors (Black & White)
• 2 background samples
• Ad your AdSense or Image Link Code
• Turn all-or-individual banners on/off
• Quick Post – No need to put an image
• Image Auto Resizer
• Random Video Rotator (copy/paste code)
• Flickr Integration
• Build your Own Menu from the Theme Options
• Photo Gallery
• Drop Down Menu (Build your Own)
• Customized Error page with sitemap
• Ad your own Logo and Styles Easily
• Unique Post Randomizer
• Main News Section
• Customized Archives and Search Pages
• Stylesheet switcher
• Feedburner Integration
• Extensive help and tutorial included

Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($179.95), Developer’s Pack ($279.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Celebrity Gossip Theme

• 3 color style – Light, Warm, Dark
• Automatic image resizer to dynamically create the thumbnails on homepage
• Automatically use the first image in each post for homepage thumbnail, no need to manually key in custom field. Custom field method still available if you wish to override with your own image.
• Optional 2 column bottom bar
• Widgets ready – easily arrange sidebar and bottom bar
• Advertisement ready – 4 125×125 banner slots and 1 top header banner
• Print.css – for uncluttered printing
• Theme options admin panel (preview)
• PSD files included

Single-Use ($35.00), Multiple-Use ($95.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

MagNews Theme

• Google AdSense Ready
• 125×125 Ad Blocks
• 3-Column Theme
• Widget Ready Theme

Single-Use License ($49.00), Developer’s Pack ($199.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Newspaper Theme

• Auto image re-sizer
• Theme support
• Free updates
• Ajax tabs
• Built in photo gallery
• Ad optimized
• W3C compliant
• Custom 404 error page
• Drop-down navigation support for subcategories

Single-Use ($59.00), Multiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

NewsPro Theme

• Installation guide
• Ad Optimized
• Built in Flickr Support
• Video Spot
• Ajax tabs
• Unique newspaper style design
• Easily customizable using CSS
• Advertising Space (125×125 sponsor ads)
• Custom 404 Error page
• Drop-down navigation
• Support by e-mail & chat

Single-Use ($59.00), Multiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Technology Theme

• multiple page layouts
• blog index page
• the contact form is embedded as a page template
• custom header image uploader
• featured image slideshow on the home page
• widgetized home page areas
• the background selector
• WP 2.7 threaded comments

Single-Use License ($79.95), Multiple-Use License ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Suvi Theme

• Integration of the Get The Image plugin to automatically resize the first uploaded post image for the featured thumbnails
• Ajax tabs to show, recent comments, popular tags, archives and a chosen video post
• Flickr integration
• Drop-down menus
• A well structured code which can be edited easily through CSS
• Ready for 125×125 ads
• Custom video template page

Single-Use ($59.00), Multiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

iTeam Theme

• Quickly and easily set up a sport team website with WordPress
• Upload your sports video to YouTube and insert it directly into the iTeam home page
• Image uploader feature allows you to personalize your site with your own logo
• iTeam comes with a random image script that allows you to display multiple photos on your home page
• Post Live Games Updates – Using Twitter.com and iTeam, you can easily post live game updates to your team’s website
• Drop down navigation menus
• Social media integration
• Various page templates including: left sidebar page, right sidebar page, one column page
• Flickr photo gallery embedded

Single-Use ($59.95), Multiple-Use ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

iNews Theme

• 4 column home page layout
• Front page feature box, you can highlight any content you want on your home page, including older content that gets buried
• Post Quick Notes and Links – With the center “asides” section, you can post quick links, quotes, or notes
• Upload a new graphic – The custom image uploader feature allows you to personalize your site with your own logo
• Drop down navigation menu

Single-Use ($49.95), Multiple-Use ($79.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Springs Theme

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Be found through search engines like Google and Yahoo
• Audio and Video: Easy to upload and use your clips from YouTube and other sites
• Rotating Headers: New plug-in keeps your site fresh and lively…without using Flash!
• Social Networking: The Springs social icon feature makes following you on Facebook or Twitter simple by clicking a button
• Category Refresh: The three category sections refresh with your posts. A great way to keep current!
• Clean Design: The Springs gives you a professional, branded church image.

Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Revolution Office

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

bSocial Theme

• Highlight Your Content: With the front three feature boxes, you can highlight any content you want on your home page, including older content that gets buried
• Social Networking: On the home page and each post of bSocial you can link to all your social networking content easily
• Custom image uploader feature allows you to personalize your site with your own logo or graphic!
• Drop Down Navigation Menu
• Professional support
• Search engine optimized
• Multiple page templates — like Feedreader and Search
• Widget-ready sidebar
• Comprehensive Theme Options page (see release page)
• Automatic image resizing — for front feature boxes
• Easy feature image uploading — with automatic image rotating

Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Credit Crunch Theme

• Revolutionary theme options page with powerful customization
• Automatic thumbnail images
• Images can be any size you want, it’s easy to change the dimensions in the options
• Pick from 4 different page layouts
• Choose 1 sidebar on the left or right, 2 sidebars, or full pages to maximise the impact of your content
• No extra plugins or setup required, it just works
• Embed a YouTube video in the sidebar without any code
• Sexy drop-down navigation
• Automatic tabbed widgets
• Handy footer area with extra links
• Valid, SEO friendly code
• Bulletproof design – built to look great with all the HTML elements
• Feedburner and Google Analytics integration without the need to install plugins or edit code
• Separate Trackbacks are neatly tucked away at the bottom so they never get in the way of the conversation
• Smart comments highlight the author so your readers always know when you reply with something important
• Organized & Easy to Edit Code

Single License ($70.00), Unlimited License ($249.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

For a complete list of premium WordPress themes available, check out our premium WordPress themes gallery!