New York, NY (May 12, 2008)—Sixty-five Magazine Digital Initiatives were announced during the first quarter of 2008, according to research conducted by Magazine Publishers of America (MPA). This marks an increase of 14% over the same period in 2007.
Among the new initiatives announced by consumer magazine publishers so far in 2008 are more video for websites, more video for mobile devices, content sharing partnerships, integrated marketing initiatives, innovations in user-generated content, video, online social networks, community building tools, more blogs, podcasts, widgets and cell phone applications.
MPA members who announced digital initiatives in the first quarter of 2008 include:
BusinessWeek: User-driven content, new application, online channels, blogs, podcasts, video
Car and Driver: User-generated content, shopping tools, photos, inventory search features, barcodes for mobile phones
Complex: New websites, mobile content
CosmoGIRL!: Online prom, integrated marketing partnership
Ebony: New microsite, online partnership, content sharing, photos, blogs
ELLE: Content partnership, video, YouTube partnership
ESPN: New channel on website for print magazine
Essence: Online series, video, photo galleries, integrated media
Forbes: Online network for blogs, online tools, maps, video, course finder tool, website redesign
Fortune: Broadband video, original programming, daily segments, weekly shows, website redesign
Jet: New microsite, content-sharing, photos, blogs
Kiplinger's Personal Finance: Content-sharing partnership
Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion: Website revamp/expansion
National Geographic: Wiki portal, user-generated content, ePals Partnership, dedicated search tools, social networking
New York Magazine: Content-sharing partnerships
Newsweek: Multiplatform content, live video, blogs, live forums, “The Root” online magazine was launched, interactive tools
Nylon: Content-partnership, video, YouTube partnership
Outside: Podcast, video player, video content
People en Español: Integrated marketing, mobile content, video, user-generated content
Playboy: Mobile content, mobile competition
Portfolio: Google, Facebook and LinkedIn partnerships, widgets, expanded video
Real Simple: Cross-media, multiplatform content and content-sharing partnership
Spin: MySpace partnership, iTunes partnership, integrated marketing
Sports Illustrated: Online archive, digital content integration, exclusive video, photos
TV Guide: Branded software partnership, integrated marketing program, content and branded program sharing, online video guide
Vogue: Social networking, on demand mobile video, mobile search, video sharing
Wine Spectator: Subscriber-only online databases and management tools
Information about Magazine Digital Initiatives is posted on the Magazine Digital Initiatives section of the MPA website. The section offers a comprehensive and detailed list of new products and platforms for consumer magazines. The list is updated weekly and features detailed information with links to press releases and articles where available.
MPA consistently tracks new launches to benefit advertisers, publishers and consumers. Advertisers often seek the latest information about new magazines in order to place advertising in the coveted first issue. Publishers look for detailed editorial descriptions about new titles competing in their space. Consumers search the New and Noted for magazines that cover their passions.
MPA’s Magazine Digital Initiatives is compiled by the association’s Information Services Department, which collects information from a variety of sources including Advertising Age, Business Wire Inc., DM News, eMediawire.com, I-Newswire.com, Media Infocenter.com, MediaPost Communications, Medialife.com, Mediaweek, Newsday.com, PR Web, Reuters, Wooden Horse Publishing, Women’s Wear Daily and assorted publisher press releases. | 
