SHORT TAKES : Million Ask for Soaper Magazine

ABC says more than 1 million fans have signed on as subscribers to a new magazine devoted to the network’s daytime soap opera scene, about a month before the first issue is even due.

The planned six-times-a-year magazine, Episodes, is promoted as being free, but subscribing actually costs viewers $3 for the cost of the phone call to sign up. (The number is 1-900-860-2600.)

Containing articles about the stars and stories of just ABC’s four daily serials (“Loving,” “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital”), the first issue of Episodes is due to be mailed Feb. 20, according to editor and publisher Amy Dorn Kopelan. The network expects to reach an initial circulation of 1.5 million.