Mag Bag: 'Cigar Report' Is Smoking

by Erik Sass, Nov 23, 2007, 7:30 AM

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Doubledown Media launched the world's largest-circulation publication this week devoted to cigars, the Cigar Report, with an initial circulation of 377,000. The magazine targets the readers of Doubledown's other high-end publications, including Trader Monthly, Dealmaker, Corporate Leader and Private Air.

The first issue includes a cover story titled "Straight to the Top," about the growing popularity of Dominican cigars, as well as an interview with Jimmy Smits, the cigar-loving star of "Cane" on CBS. It also features guides to cigar-friendly venues in cities around the world, recommendations for well-heeled (and cigar-friendly) resort destinations, and advice about transporting them when traveling abroad, such as buying a $69,000 Louis Vuitton cigar steamer trunk.

While some of this content is aspirational, the magazine makes room for many of the obvious co-branding opportunities. In short, there's ample advertising by whiskey makers, luxury carmakers, watchmakers, and condominium developers.

The magazine is also planning to hold a series of branded events, called "The Wall Street Smoke," in New York, Chicago, and Napa, Calif. These invitation-only events allow sponsors to reach attendees through venue signage, logos on invitations, and gift bags.

Body + Soul to Increase Rate Base

Body + Soul magazine will increase its rate base 22% to 550,000 in 2008, according to publisher Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. The increase, set to go into effect with its January/February issue, is the sixth increase since the company purchased the magazine in 2004. MSLO also said it will add two schedules to the publishing schedule in 2008, for a total of 10.

Tango Dances Out the Door

Tango, a quarterly title covering love and relationships, is folding its short-lived print edition, while maintaining a Web presence. Its last issue will come out in winter 2007. The publishers said they will boost the Web site's content dramatically, with more interactive features and rich media. Editor in chief Carrie Sloan will remain in her position for the digital publishing operation.

Ben Madden Named Publisher of Blender

  Ben Madden has been named publisher of Blender, according to Kent Brownridge, CEO of Alpha Media Group, who announced the news last week. Madden takes the place of Lee Rosenbaum, who is leaving the company. Madden's previous experience includes serving as publisher of Reader's Digest; he exited the publication in March after it was bought by Ripplewood Holdings.

Rodale Names Angus Macaulay Director of Marketing Solutions

Rodale Inc. has named Angus Macaulay vice president and director of Rodale Marketing Solutions, the company announced earlier this week. Macaulay will lead prospecting, creation, sale and execution of integrated partnerships for key marketers aligned with Rodale's assets, audiences and capabilities. Macaulay previously served as publisher of Runner's World.

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