• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, July 27, 2007

The Magazine Publishers of America has tallied up a record 62 new digital initiatives from magazine publishers in the second quarter of 2007--a 139% increase over the second quarter of 2006. Coming amid a raft of announcements for specific new projects, the overall count underlines the migration of magazine brands to more digital distribution.

Among the big digital movers was Conde Nast, which introduced ad insertion in podcasts, video podcasts, social-networking features and integrated-marketing opportunities for advertisers. Hearst also bowed mobile sites and branded Webisodes, while Meredith offered original video content, desktop widgets and big portal redesigns. Forbes rolled out wiki features, a Facebook partnership and online databases. Hachette Filipacchi bought JumpStart, an online network for auto ads, and Bonnier debuted digital and social-networking features. Finally, McGraw-Hill's BusinessWeek created an online video hub and a free online database.

A full listing of the new initiatives is available online at the MPA's Web site: http://www.magazine.org/digital/14321.cfm. The MPA began documenting new digital initiatives from magazines in 2006, to highlight the brands' adaptability to new media.

Takkle Gets Funding from Sports Illustrated, NYC

Takkle, a social network for high school athletes, is getting a funding boost from Sports Illustrated and the New York City Investment Fund, in a move that will bring SI articles to the site, as well as bring SI sponsorship to Takkle's "Faces in the Crowd," a special feature which highlights noteworthy high-school athletes. The New York City Investment Fund is the investment and economic development arm of the Partnership for New York City, an organization that brings together businesses to bolster the local economy.

Emmis Buys Orange Coast Kommunications

Emmis Publishing, L.P. has purchased Orange Coast Kommunications, which publishes Orange Coast magazine, for an undisclosed sum. Orange Coast is a luxury publication with a circulation of 60,000 targeting affluent Orange Country. This marks the most recent move in a series of purchases and partnerships in the luxury-magazine space.

Lee Slattery Named Publisher of Fitness Magazine

Lee Slattery is taking over the helm at Fitness magazine, owner Meredith Corp. announced Thursday. Previously, Slattery had served as vice president and publisher of Golf for Women; before that, she was the associate publisher of Glamour and Allure. Tom Hardy, executive vice president of Meredith's Magazine Group, remarked: "We are thrilled to have someone with Lee's broad experience and background join Fitness magazine. Her unique knowledge across a diverse range of advertising categories, and ability to lead major magazine brand sales groups, will be an enormous asset to the Fitness team."