Mag Bag: The Greening Of The Week

Mag Bag: The Greening Of The Week
by Erik Sass, Friday, Apr 6, 2007 7:45 AM ET
The Week Goes Green
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=58321


The Week, the popular compendium of the best of various media in magazine form, is showing a green side. It's publishing a special bonus issue on the Web, sponsored by Lexus, which is devoted to the environment. The online-only issue will become available April 20 to regular subscribers and include all the magazine's regular features. The Lexus sponsorship serves to highlight the company's line of "luxury hybrid" vehicles, such as the RX 400h luxury utility vehicle, the GS 450h performance sedan and the LS 600h L flagship sedan.

Justin Smith, president of The Week, said: "In partnership with Lexus, we are able to bring our readers an online issue with all of The Week's regular editorial features, but with a reduced impact upon the environment." Smith says the pub is finding new ways for readers to "interact with the magazine's weekly content."

Lexus Vice President of Marketing Deborah Meyer says the sponsorship "demonstrates the company's commitment to the environment and heightens awareness of Earth Day and the issues that surround it." As part of the arrangement, The Week's special online issue will drive readers to the Lexus site, as well as content concerning the environment and conservation.

Star Cuts Circ

Star, the popular celebrity weekly published by American Media, is cutting its guaranteed circulation by 150,000 to 1.35 million, according to a report in Ad Age. The 10% cut follows a failure to meet its rate-base figures in eight out of 11 issues this year. Although it showed strong subscription growth, in the latest FAS-FAX report from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, Star's newsstand sales fell 13.9% to 743,349. Newsstand sales now account for about half of its total circulation.

Inc. Invites 5,000 of Its Closest Friends

There'd better be plenty of room at the Downtown Chicago Hilton, because Inc. has invited reps from all 5,000 companies in its list of America's fastest-growing private companies to the Inc. 500 Conference and Awards on September 6-8. The ceremony will recognize the 500 fastest-growing enterprises--which, over the past 25 years, have included Domino's Pizza, Microsoft and Timberland. Edward Sussman, president of Mansueto Digital, the publisher of Inc.com, noted: "With more companies participating in the event, the opportunity for entrepreneurs to network and learn will increase substantially." The deadline for entry in the 5,000 list is April 15.

TV Guide Names Bautz Online EIC

Gemstar-TV Guide International has named Mark Bautz as editor in chief of TV Guide Online, where he will direct all editorial and broadband video content for the publication's online properties, including www.TVGuide.com. In this role, he will work closely with Ian Birch, the chief content officer and editor-in-chief of the print publication. Previously, Bautz served as editor-in-chief of Time Inc.'s People.com. He also held an editorial position at EW.com.

Penton Media Names Sweeney EIC of Business Finance

Penton Media has appointed John Sweeney editor in chief of Business Finance magazine. In this role, Sweeney will direct all editorial content for both the print and online editions of the publication. Business Finance targets senior finance executives with content covering key finance issues, strategies, trends and technologies. Prior to the hire, Sweeney served as editor-in-chief of Kennedy Information's Magazine Media Group.