• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, April 13, 2007

An organization called Historically Black Colleges and Universities Connect is launching a multi-institution alumni magazine targeting the more than 400,000 graduates, faculty and current students of America's historically black schools. The new title, HBCU Connect The Magazine, is the latest brand extension for the organization, which already hosts experiential events, online social networking, blogs, job boards and various related services.

Alumni magazines have been widely embraced by institutions of higher education as a way to maintain links with alumni. There are many reasons to stay in touch with graduates--fund-raising among them--but HBCU is unique. Unlike other publications that focus on one school, HBCU leverages the entire network of historically black colleges for readership. In short, it downplays the internecine rivalries that are stock in trade for other university mags. HBCU Connect is available by subscription; 12 issues run $17.99.

And "network" is the operative word.

HBCU spokeswoman Joyce Brayboy described it as a "platform to highlight our success, get us much-needed job opportunities, educational funding and a connection with other people that we may need along the journey." The magazine will also feature HBCU successes, issues on- and off-campus that are relevant to the HBCU community, HBCU alumni event coverage--and, adds Brayboy, "hard-hitting controversial subjects at the forefront of the community members' thoughts."

Consumer Reports Gets New EIC

Kimberly Kleman has been appointed editor in chief of Consumer Reports, the Consumers Union announced this week. A 10-year veteran of the magazine, Kleman previously served as deputy editorial director. During that tenure, she helped the magazine win a National Magazine Award and a National Press Club award. The announcement comes on the heels of an editorial mishap which tarnished the magazine's reputation for precision and accuracy. In its February issue, Consumer Reports issued a so-called "safety alert" about children's car seats, labeling 10 unsafe and suggesting that one be recalled. The tests conducted with the car seats later turned out to be flawed, and the magazine issued a retraction and apology.

Working Mother Gets Cover Makeover

Designer Roger Black is giving Working Mother a makeover, nixing the "cover girl" models standing alone in favor of women with their children--hewing closer to the magazine's name and mission--and revamping the layout for a more current look. Black's work was guided by reader input, said Carol Evans, CEO and founder. "They are proud of all that they do every day and energized by their accomplishments," she added. "We feel the new Working Mother cover really represents them, making them feel even more connected to the magazine."

Hearst Gets Green

Hearst Magazines is urging readers to "Please Recycle This Magazine" in a July campaign to raise awareness of environmental issues. The campaign is part of a larger effort from the Magazine Publishers of America, which kicked off in July to highlight environmentally responsible ways of disposing of magazines. The logo will appear on the masthead or table of contents page of Hearst magazines.

Meredith Revamps Better Homes and Gardens Site

Meredith Corporation has redesigned its Better Homes and Gardens Web site to accommodate the launch of a broadband TV channel Better.tv. In the new format, the BHG.com has seven "channels" covering decorating, remodeling, food and recipes, gardening, holidays, health and family and crafts. Among the new Web features are streaming video, blogs, design and planning tools, desktop widgets, recipe wikis and community-sharing applications.