New York, NY (January 23, 2006)—Research conducted by Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) revealed today that 257 magazine launches were announced in 2005. Among the new titles announced in 2005 were: 31 magazines for women, 22 magazines dedicated to sports, 27 lifestyle titles, 13 magazines targeting African-Americans, and another 13 with a Hispanic/Latino focus.  Also of note were the number of magazines that originated as websites or online-only editions; a total of 10 magazines leapt from the Internet to newsstands and mailboxes in 2005.

There were 59 new titles announced in the first quarter, 49 in the second quarter, 66 in the third, and 83 in the fourth.  The average number of launch announcements each quarter in 2005 was 64.

In 2005, 34 MPA member publishers announced new titles, bringing 48 new magazines to the market.  In the fourth quarter in particular, notable launch announcements from member publishers included: Interweave Press (KnitScene); The Lady Enterprises Inc. and Hoffman Media, LLC (Cooking with Paula Deen); Meredith Publishing (Real+Life Decorating); Miller Publishing Group (Smash); Modern Luxury Magazines (DC); and The Reader’s Digest Association (Every Day with Rachael Ray).

Spin-offs continued to be big throughout the year, with five versions of popular existing titles aimed at the Hispanic/Latino market in the U.S. for the first time. Overall, the 13 magazines created for the market ranged in focus, from titles devoted to music and culture to sports.

Information about launch announcements are posted on the New and Noted section of the MPA website.  The section offers a comprehensive and detailed list of consumer magazine launch announcements.  The list is updated monthly and features information about the publisher, launch dates, frequency and detailed editorial descriptions.  The New and Noted Magazines web section does not include magazines with less than a quarterly frequency.

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 New and Noted is compiled by the association’s Information Services Department, which collects information from a variety of sources including Advertising Age, Arrivenet.com, Business Wire Inc., Citynewsstand.com, DM News, eMediawire.com, I-Newswire.com, Magazinelaunch.com, MagazineYellowPages.com, Media Infocenter.com, MediaPost Communications, Mediaweek, Newscom.com, Newsday.com, The Pocket Guide to New Magazine Launches Specials & Annuals, PR Web, Reuters, Trendcentral.com, Ulrich's Web, Wooden Horse Publishing, Women’s Wear Daily and assorted publisher press releases.