• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, April 7, 2011

Hearst and HGTV Join Forces for Lifestyle Mag

Hearst Magazines is partnering with HGTV to test publish a new magazine, HGTV Magazine, beginning this fall. The new publication, headed by former Coastal Living editor Sara Peterson, will expand on the themes covered in HGTV's popular real estate and lifestyle programming, and will also present additional lifestyle content beyond the network's current offerings. Content areas will include decorating, home renovation, gardening, entertaining and food.

In its first two test issues, slated to appear in October and January, the magazine will feature contributions from HGTV personalities offering personal tips, tricks, and expertise, as well as behind-the-scenes peeks at the making of their shows.

The magazine is already gaining traction with advertisers and a favorable response from consumers, according to HGTV President Jim Samples, who stated: "We're encouraged by the enormously positive response Hearst and our parent company, Scripps Networks, have received with Food Network Magazine. We expect that HGTV's collaboration with Hearst in the form of a lifestyle publication will resonate with our millions of viewers, as well as with new consumers who are passionate about their homes and the lives they live in them."

Depending on consumer reaction, the companies may then decide to proceed with a full-scale launch in 2012.

This is just the latest in a series of collaborations between Hearst and popular TV shows focused on various consumer categories. In 2008 Hearst Magazines and the Food Network unveiled a new title, the Food Network Magazine, which has since more than tripled its rate base from 300,000 to million. In 2001 Hearst pioneered the TV personality magazine with O, the Oprah Magazine.

Black Resigns NYC Chancellor Post

One of Michael Bloomberg's more unexpected personnel decisions has come undone, with this week's news that former Hearst Magazines boss Cathleen P. Black will be stepping down from her post as chancellor of New York City schools. According to news reports, Black resigned at Bloomberg's personal urging, and will be replaced by deputy mayor Dennis M. Walcott, Bloomberg said in a news conference announcing the changes. Bloomberg added: "I take full responsibility for the fact that this has not worked out as either of us had hoped or expected. But now it's time to look forward, not back." After a series of missteps and PR gaffes, a recent public opinion poll had Black's approval rating at 17% -- worse than any other previous or current official in Bloomberg's long administration. Bloomberg observed that "the story had really become about her and away from the kids, and that's not good. We've got to focus on what's good for the kids."

The Advocate Launches Free News App

The Advocate has launched a free, advertising-supported Advocate News App, which is now available for the iPhone and iPod from the Apple App Store, with versions for Android and BlackBerry soon to follow. According to the leading LGBT magazine, advertisers can reach consumers with full-screen ads, expandable banner ads, rich media within video content, and embeddable links. Back in March 2010 The Advocate struck a deal with NBC News giving the pub access to NBC's global production resources to create news content. NBC News may use content and writers from The Advocate. As part of the content-sharing agreement, Advocate.com gets to carry daily video news created using footage from NBC News and its local TV affiliates. Some video content also appears on Here! TV, the LGBT-focused TV outlet owned by publisher Here Media.

USPS, Postal Union Reach Deal to Save $3.8 Billion

Not long after the magazine industry helped fend off a threatened increase in postal rates, the U.S. Postal Service told Congress that it has struck a tentative deal with the American Postal Workers Union that will allow it to save $3.8 billion over the next two years. Under the terms of the compromise (which is the result of eight months of negotiations), the APWU would agree to a two-year wage freeze and also accept more employment of lower-paid, non-career postal workers -- rising from 5.9% to 20% of the total workforce. Looking to the future, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that he also wants to do away with "mandates that we prefund retiree health benefits" and six-day mail delivery to further cut down on costs.

Active Interest Media Promotes 2

Active Interest Media's Outdoor Group has promoted two senior Backpacker staffers: Matthew Bates, the magazine's design director, becomes the Outdoor Group's creative director, while Michael Byrne, Backpacker's Western sales director, becomes the magazine's national sales director. The Outdoor Group comprises Backpacker, Climbing and Urban Climber.