The Archives: August, 2001

Editorial changes at Inc magazine open up more writing categories

August 29, 2001 - Starting with the September issue, Inc magazine is rethinking its editorial "voice," revamping for a faster-paced, more energetic read. Whole new sections, with more diverse departments and topics, have been added - an expanded opportunity for a wider range of writers. Here are more details. Full Story

Primedia's plans to absorb EMAP USA titles

August 29, 2001 - EMAP USA titles recently acquired by Primedia will be placed in the Consumer Media & Magazine Group. In some content spaces this has led to competing titles in the same division, including Teen and Seventeen, Surfer and Surfing and Bow Hunter and Bowhunting. Current plans are to maintain the majority of magazines and task the publishers with working towards differentiating each title's editorial position.

The Common Review new title for literature buffs

August 27, 2001 - Writers with an interest in literature will want to take a look at The Common Review, a new title being published by the Great Books Foundation. Queries are encouraged. Full Story

OurPC goes solo

August 27, 2001 - OurPC, subtitled "The Computer Magazine for African-Americans," is now being published as a stand-alone quarterly with a circulation of 175,000 instead of as a free insert in targeted newspapers. Led by the efforts of publisher and CEO Abner McWhorter, the article focus is on getting the most out of a computer and the Internet. Visit the media kit page on the magazine's website for a reader profile along with complete contact and content information.

New UK-based fashion title to launch

August 20, 2001 - Spruce is the name of a new fashion title being published by Tyler Brûlé. Here's who will be reading the title and what content can be expected. Full Story

Silicon Alley chronicler returns

August 22, 2001 - Tech-focus title AlleyCat News is due back on newsstands today, following a hiatus since March. The SoHo, NY-based title is still under the guidance of editor-in-chief Anna Copeland Wheatley. Two more issues are planned for 2001, with a total of 11 slated in 2002.

Planet PDA welcomes queries from intelligent contributors

August 20, 2001 - Planet PDA is a new online publication covering daily news and more in-depth features about how businesses are using personal digital assistants (PDAs). Queries are welcomed. Full Story

Working Woman folds

August 20, 2001 - Working Woman Network was acquired by MCG Capital last week, who announced that Working Woman would cease publication following the 25th anniversary edition in September. The entire staff has been suspended. The magazine Working Mother, with a circulation of 900,000, remains intact but the staff will have to relocate to White Plains, NY.

The Industry Standard ceases publication

August 20, 2001 - Standard Media International, the parent company of The Industry Standard, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last Thursday. The 200 man team will be pared to 20, but no new issues are expected to be published. The company's majority owner, International Data Group (IDG) decided not to recapitalize in order to save the company, and is now free to sell The Industry Standard or restart it without its original management team. It's possible then that the magazine will rise from the ashes yet.

New bilingual automotive title targets Latino readers

August 15, 2001 - The fastest growing ethnic market in the U.S. is the Latino community and Latinos On Wheels magazine is targeting the automotive market readers. Here are content clues. Full Story

New youth game title to launch in November

August 15, 2001 - GameNow Magazine is the new Ziff Davis Media Inc.'s Game Group's title aimed at youth video game players from 10- to 16-years-old. The focus will be on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and GameBoy Advance. The magazine is set to debut in November.

Beware of turmoil at Bold

August 15, 2001 - As we reported August 13, Bold has ceased publication, a temporary measure according to Michael Davis, CEO of Davis Media, who plans on revamping the title and editorial staff. In addition, there seems to be nine freelance writers who may file a class-action suit for nonpayment although Mr. Davis indicates that he believes everyone has been paid. Writers should be aware of the turmoil at this title before sending queries.

More opportunities possibly at National Geographic Adventure

August 15, 2001 - National Geographic Adventure will be increasing its publishing schedule from six issues per year to 10, so writers interested in this title might find more opportunities for their article/feature ideas. In addition, the title is raising its rate base by 14 percent, from 350,000 to 400,000, so more people will reading the magazine. All of this happens starting in January.

New daily paper targets African Americans

August 13, 2001 - The Daily Journal will debut in New York on September 10 as a tabloid reporting on local, national and international news and issues of relevance to African Americans in New York and the surrounding areas. Content topics include business, sports, entertainment, news and music of all genres. Published by General Media Strategies, the paper will be under the guidance of executive editor Steve Mallory.

Bold regroups to become bolder

August 13, 2001 - Bold, the one-year-old Los Angeles Gen-X title, will cease publication temporarily as Michael Davis regroups his efforts and revamps the editorial staff for a new fearless approach to content. Think Maxim for the LA set with extreme views on celebrity gossip, exposés, sex and getting around town.

ELLEgirl hits newsstands in two weeks

August 13, 2001 - The Elle spinoff, ELLEgirl, will appear on newsstands August 28, aiming its editorial content of fashion and style at girls 14- to 17-years-old. Don't expect to see a lot of big boy band and celebrity coverage. Four issues are due out next year under the guidance of editor-in-chief Brandon Holley. Check the title's website for content ideas. Our database has contact information.

Business 2.0 unveils new content focus

August 8, 2001 - Business 2.0, now owned by AOL Time Warner, premiered its new monthly version yesterday, combining content on both old economy stalwarts and dot-coms. The magazine is looking to covering technology issues at all levels in the corporate world, and is about "concepts, technology and ideas moving through real companies," noted editor Ned Desmond. The magazine currently has 550,000 subscriptions.

New title for Southeastern technology companies

August 8, 2001 - Angel investors, venture capital firms, financial institutions, media group and other technology companies will be reading a new quarterly magazine, Executive Summary: Southeast. With a launch set for mid-October, the magazine will present "Company Showcases," rather than general editorial articles, for technology firms headquartered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Contact Tom Findlay, president of Thomas Andrew Company Publishing at 4242 Chickamauga Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35213, call (205) 868-9037, fax (205) 870-5336 or e-mail tfindlay@executivesummarymag.com.

Talk editorial content shifts tone

August 6, 2001 - If you've considered querying Talk for a writing opportunity, make sure you take a look at the September issue first. There's an edgier tone of voice and content style being added. The upfront section changes its name from "Conversation" to "Informer" and more tongue-in-cheek humor will be evident.

EXPN Magazine debuts as test issue

August 6, 2001 - EXPN Magazine will debut as a test issue a the X Games competition in Philadelphia, August 17 to 22. Read all about it here. Full Story

New travel title actively seeks writers

August 6, 2001 - There is a new travel title set for launch in October, covering haunted, upscale destinations. Read more for content and contact information and an important writers' rights note. Full Story

Life finds new life in bookazine format

August 6, 2001 - Life is being resuscitated once again - this time in the form of a bookazine, a single-topic magazine/book hybrid. The plan is to publish eight "issues" next year with distribution exclusively through newsstands.

Garden Design to lose editorial staff, reduce frequency

August 1, 2001 - Garden Design, a World Publications title, is moving its editorial offices from New York to Winter Park, Fla. in late fall. Editor-in-chief Michael Boodro will leave the magazine at the close date of the October/November issue. Five other editorial staff members will most likely not transition as well.

In 2002, the title will lower its publishing frequency from eight issues to six issues per year and plans to drop its rate base from 450,000 to 300,000.

Travel + Leisure has appointed a new deputy editor, Jennifer Barr, formerly deputy editor at Harper's Bazaar. (August 29)

IEEE Spectrum has a new senior editor, Glenn Zorpette, and a new senior associate editor, Harry Goldstein. (August 29)

SMT Germany has been acquired by PennWell, publisher of SMT, from EMP Mediamarketing. The Nashua, NH-based Computer & Electronic Group division will be in charge of the title. (August 29)

Inside Texas Running has been sold to Loran R. Sheffer, publisher of Runner Triathlete News. There are no plans to fold the two titles together - staffers will be writing for both magazines. (August 29)

Muzik, the UK-based clubbing magazine, has named a new editor, Conor McNicholas, formerly the news editor at Mixmag. Mr. McNicholas replaces Chris Elwell-Sutton, who has left the position after less than one year. (August 27)

Health has named a new articles editor, Elena Rover, formerly the editorial director of Internet new business development at Reader's Digest. (August 27)

Sports Illustrated Women is the new title for Sports Illustrated for Women, starting with the issue due on newsstands September 4. (August 27)

Field Force Automation and CRM are published by Freedom Technology Media Group which is consolidating its offices to New York City and leaving Malibu, Calif. behind. Most staff members will most likely not make the transition offered but are being asked to stay onboard during the transition period expected to last until December. (August 27)

Healthleaders is moving its editorial offices to Nashville, home of its corporate parents of the same name. Five editors were offered jobs at the new location and two have declined thus far. One editor will remain in San Francisco while another was laid off. No specific names were immediately available. (August 27)

Swedish Industry Standard is in the process of doubling in size, unlike its American counterpart which recently ceased publication. At the same time, International Data Group, two-thirds owner of Standard Media International, which is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, plans to launch CIO Germany to bridge the gap between IT issues and strategic business decisions for CIOs, CXOs and other senior-level business managers. (August 22)

Avenue, a giveaway magazine for wealthy Manhattanites, has been acquired by Stagebill. The company also recently purchased Performing Arts Magazine, a LA-based magazine distributed in leading concert halls. (August 22)

Computer Gaming World has boosted circulation growth by four percent over the last year, to over 345,000. Electronic Gaming Monthly delivered a six percent increase in the last year to almost 427,000. Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine shot up 36 percent, now at a monthly paid circulation of almost 376,000 from just one year ago. All three titles are published by Ziff Davis Media Game Group. (August 22)

JoC Week, Traffic World, Air Cargo World, Florida Shipper, Gulf Shipper and Shipping Digest, all part of The Economist Group's Journal of Commerce Group, have been sold to Commonwealth Business Media. (August 22)

Optimize will debut on November 5, reporting on finance, ethics, globalization, marketing and practical technology applications. The title is published by CMP Media Inc. (August 22)

Energy for Women will debut the first of two issues for 2001 on August 28. (August 22)

Rap-Up, a new monthly R&B and hip-hop title, recently launched its premier print issue, three months after the originally scheduled debut date. The title's editor-in-chief is seventeen-year-old Devin Lazerine. Three million copies were distributed nationwide. (August 20)

Variety suspended its editor-in-chief, Peter Bart, last Friday, following accusations of questionable journalism integrity and business dealings. (August 20)

Classic American Home will cease publication following the November issue. The title was published for 26 years and was originally named Colonial Homes. (August 20)

Crunch Magazine is a new bi-annual title for nationwide Crunch gym members which launches this December. The content focuses more on what makes members tick rather than strict fitness articles. (August 15)

LivingRoom is the title of a new Meredith publication being worked on by Bonnie Fuller, formerly editor-in-chief at Glamour. (August 15)

FHM, the UK-based men's title, has announced a new editor, David Davies. (August 15)

Real Simple will raise its ratebase in February 2002 to 900,000. (August 15)

Spin has named a new editorial fashion director, Daniela Jung. (August 15)

Reader's Digest has a new U.S. editor-in-chief as of October, Jacqueline Leo, formerly with Meredith Interactive and Consumer Reports. Ms. Leo replaces Chris Willcox, who stepped down more than a year ago. (August 15)

Talk has named a new executive editor, Phoebe Eaton, following her dismissal as executive editor at Details. (August 13)

Good Housekeeping fired seven employees and Country Living cut at least five people last week. Specific job titles were not immediately available. Other Hearst Corp. titles may have also been affected in recent weeks. (August 13)

California Journal has appointed a new editor, David Lesher, a member of the California political press corps and formerly assistant national editor for politics with the Los Angeles Times. (August 13)

Glue, the Los Angeles style and gossip title, has ceased publication. According to the website subscription area, the magazine is on hiatus. The last issue available is/was July/August from editor Laurie Pike. (August 13)

Poultry magazine has appointed a new executive editor, Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton, who will advise on editorial content and direction and review contributed articles. The title is published by Marketing & Technology Group. (August 13)

TechWeb has a new executive editor, Fredric Paul, formerly CNET's executive editor. Mr. Paul replaces Aaron Fischer. (August 13)

CosmoGirl! Is raising its rate base by 33 percent in February 2002 to an even one million. (August 13)

Office Technology is a new title resulting from the alliance between the Business Technology Association, whose magazine, BTA Solutions, will merge with 101communications LLP's Copier Marketplace. 101 will manage the new title due to debut in September. (August 13)

Consumers Digest and Your Money, both formerly Consumers Digest Media titles which ceased publication, have sold their subscription lists to Time Inc. Personal Finance Magazine Group, publisher of Money and Mutual Funds. Money will increase its circulation of 1.9 million by 400,000 and Mutual Funds will increase its circulation from 800,000 by another 175,000, discounting any overlaps. (August 13)

TravelAge West, Travel Weekly and Meetings & Conventions are now owned by Boston Ventures, which acquired Cahners Travel Group, publisher of the three listed titles and 10 others. (August 13)

The Hollywood Reporter is now posting special issue articles on their website, giving anyone access to the exclusive feature-length stories. (August 8)

AdWeek.com, MediaWeek.com and EditorandPublisher.com pink-slipped 14 editorial department employees. Specific names and titles were not immediately available. (August 8)

GQ has appointed a new fashion director, Marc Berger, following the promotion of Jeffery Greif. (August 8)

Allure has a new fashion director, Dan Rogone, formerly the fashion director at Interview. (August 8)

Wired has named a new editor, Bob Cohn, and a new article editor, Thomas Goetz, formerly executive editors with The Industry Standard. (August 8)

Take-Off is a new B2B commercial aviation magazine covering maintenance, engine overhaul, material and ground services and aircraft sales. The title is published by Pace Communications. (August 8)

The New York Law Journal has named a new editor-in-chief, Ms. Kris Fischer, succeeding Ruth S. Hochberger who will step down September 1. (August 6)

Automotive Design & Production is the new title for Automotive Manufacturing & Production Magazine. (August 6)

The New York Times has named a new deputy editorial page editor, Philip Taubman, who starts his new position in March 2002. Mr. Taubman succeeds Philip M. Boffey who will retire at that time. (August 6)

Business Nashville is now owned by NashvillePost.com which purchased publisher Eagle Communications. (August 6)

Honolulu Magazine has been acquired by PacificBasin Communications from Honolulu Publishing Company, publisher of Hawaii Business, a title which will absorb Island Business. (August 6)

Meredith is working on two new lifestyle titles for the company. One is a women's magazine being worked on by Bonnie Fuller who was recently ousted as editor-in-chief of Glamour. The other is a men's magazine proposal headed up by Michael Lafavore, formerly the executive editor at Men's Health. The new title efforts were confirmed by Myrna Blyth, publications director for Meredith's Ladies Home Journal and More. (August 1)