[pct-l] On-topic - barely: Backpacker magazine changes ownership/publisher

[Tortoise]

Received my Sept 2007 issue of _Backpacker_ and looking at the info 
page, discovered that it had been acquired by Active Interest Media, 
Inc.; a new media conglomerate.
Here's an extract of the press release from Active Media. Give an 
interesting perspective on how the owners view us readers.

        *May 17, 2007**
        *Active Interest Media, Inc. Acquires Backpacker Magazine

        El Segundo, CA (May 17, 2007) -- Active Interest Media, Inc.
        (AIM) has acquired Backpacker Magazine, AIM President and Chief
        Executive Officer Efrem "Skip" Zimbalist III announced today.
        The new acquisition adds to AIM's growing portfolio of
        enthusiast magazines, consumer shows, books and Internet sites
        (www.aimmedia.com <http://www.aimmedia.com>). The terms of the
        transaction were not disclosed.

        . . .

        Says Zimbalist, whose previous experience includes CEO of Times
        Mirror Magazines, "Backpacker is an excellent magazine with
        outstanding future growth potential, and represents the best
        kind of properties we seek to acquire. With its dedicated
        readership, growing circulation and advertising revenues,
        Backpacker is the leading multi-platform brand for the outdoor
        enthusiast."

        . . .

        Jonathan Dorn, Editor-in-Chief of Backpacker, will join the AIM
        team. Under Dorn's leadership, in 2006 Backpacker received its
        first National Magazine Award from the American Society of
        Magazine Editors, the magazine industry's highest editorial
        honor , as well as MIN Best of the Web award.

        *About AIM:*

        Based in El Segundo, California, AIM (www.aimmedia.com
        <http://www.aimmedia.com>) is a dynamic media company that
        serves a base of loyal constituents through print, event and
        online products that connect consumers with their passions. The
        company was formed in October 2003 by Zimbalist and the private
        equity investment firm Wind Point Partners.

        AIM operates in four distinct vertical segments; Healthy Living,
        Marine, Homebuyer, and Western Art and Living. The company
        publishes 13 market leading magazines and websites including
        Yoga Journal, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, Optimum
        Wellness, Wild Oat, Southwest Art, American Cowboy, Log Home
        Design, Log Home Living, Timber Home Living, Building Systems,
        Black Belt, and Yachts International magazines.

        In addition to magazines, AIM produces and markets category
        leading dvds, books, Yoga conferences, log home shows, and more
        than two dozen building seminars.

        *. . .*
        **

        *About Backpacker*
        Backpacker brings the outdoors straight to the reader's
        doorstep, inspiring and enabling them to go more places and
        enjoy nature more often. The authority on active adventure,
        Backpacker is the world's first GPS-enabled magazine, and the
        only magazine whose editors personally test the hiking trails,
        camping gear, and survival tips they publish. Backpacker's six
        regional editions offer accessible, close-to-home getaways with
        detailed, tear-out maps to dozens of nearby hikes, as well as
        practical tips on day hikes, camping and the best gear
        information available. Backpacker's Editors' Choice Awards, an
        industry honor recognizing design, feature and product
        innovation, has become the gold standard against which all other
        outdoor-industry awards are measured.

        Backpacker has a circulation of 340,000, is published 9 times a
        year, and last year was a recipient of a coveted National
        Magazine Award for editorial excellence. Backpacker's web site,
        www.backpacker.com <http://www.backpacker.com>, is updated daily
        and features more than 30,000 hikes, a searchable and
        comprehensive database of outdoor gear with reviews
        (www.gearfinder.com <http://www.gearfinder.com>), a special
        section for female hikers, and an all-new map and GPS center.

        source:  http://www.aimmedia.com/article_display_67.html



-- 
Tortoise

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