New York, NY (May 17, 2007)—Research conducted by Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) found that 57 Magazine Digital Initiatives were announced in the first quarter of 2007. This represents the highest number of magazine digital initiatives tracked in any one quarter since 2006.

Among the new initiatives announced so far by magazine publishers in 2007 are podcasts, more videos for websites, innovations in user-generated content and social networks, many website redesigns and new content for mobile phones.

MPA members who announced digital initiatives in the first quarter of 2007 include:

         AARP the Magazine, Segunda Juventud: Online audio versions of the magazines for blind consumers.

         American Express Publishing Corp.: Podcasts, weekly online episodes, multimedia programs.

         Cond Nast Publications: Blogs, podcasts, video.

         Crains Communications: Daily email alerts, website redesign.

         Dwell: Website redesign, social networking, video, blogs, podcasts.

         Forbes: Online competition, video content, online reader polls and voting, mobile-enabled website, free Wi-Fi directory.

         Gemstar-TV Guide: Broadband content, cross-platform distribution, indexed video content, website acquisitions, website redesigns, online and broadband syndication, online contests

         Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.: Virtual test drives for new cars, online video, website redesigns.

         Hearst Magazines: User-generated content, expanded video offerings, online video games, mobile websites.

         The Knot: New wedding channel, original online video content.

         Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia: New website, new blogs.

         Meredith Corporation: Weekly satellite radio show, online video.

         National Geographic: Website acquisition, online video series, podcasts, branded cell phone service.

         New York: Custom directory for mobile phones of restaurant rankings.

         Newsweek: Web video channels, indexed video content online.

         Nickelodeon: Virtual online community for tweens.

         Playboy: eCommerce websites, entire photo and text on digital archive available on DVD.

         Primedia: Website revamp, online video, blogs, forums.

         Rodale Inc.: Integrated marketing platform, exclusive online content, video, web channels, new websites.

         Time Inc.: User-generated content, new in-house online production studio, online video, podcasts, news feeds, photo archive project partnership with Google.

Information about Magazine Digital Initiatives is posted on the Magazine Digital Intiatives 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.           

MPAs Magazine Digital Initiatives is compiled by the associations 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, Mediaweek, Newsday.com, PR Web, Reuters, Wooden Horse Publishing, Womens Wear Daily and assorted publisher press releases.