• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, January 4, 2008

The Reader's Digest Association has named Elaine Alimonti publisher of Selecciones, a Spanish-language magazine available in 20 countries, including the United States, elevating her from her previous role as associate publisher. She is replacing Elizabeth Bradley, who is leaving the company.

Before joining RDA in 2007, Alimonti was the associate publisher of Conde Nast's Cookie, helping launch the magazine in 2005. Eva Dillon, RDA president, remarked: "Selecciones readers have demonstrated extreme loyalty to the brand. The U.S. Hispanic population is currently the fastest-growing minority group in the country, and with Elaine at the helm, we look forward to strengthening our position serving this vital community."

Selecciones has a circulation of 375,000 and a readership of 2.6 million, according to RDA. The changes at Selecciones follow a number of organizational changes at RDA, beginning with the appointment of Mary Berner as president and CEO. Berner was named to succeed Eric Schrier, who left the company when it was acquired by Ripplewood Holdings, a private-equity firm.

Paste Co-Founder Returns as Publisher

Nick Purdy, who helped found Paste magazine five years ago, is returning to the magazine as publisher after a one-year hiatus. In the role of publisher, he replaces Tim Regan-Porter, who will continue in his role as president. Purdy took time off in 2006 to develop another music publication that is due out in 2009. Jay Sweet has been promoted to director of business development, moving into the role from his previous position as editor at large.

Wondertime Ups Rate Base Again

Disney Publishing Worldwide's Wondertime is raising its rate base again, reflecting the growing popularity of the relatively new children's publication, which launched in spring 2006. The rate base will increase 25%--from 400,000 to 500,000--effective February 2008. According to Disney, the magazine's ad pages grew 61% in 2007 compared to 2006, as revenue jumped 118%. The magazine's success is especially notable as many competing parenthood publications struggle with declines.

In the first nine months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006, Baby Talk's ad pages are down 10.4%, and Parenting is down 19%. Finally, MTV closed Nick Jr. Family Magazine in early 2007, while Meredith Corporation closed Child around the same time. On the other hand, Cookie, another relatively new publication, is up 35.4%.

Country Home Launches Antique Festivals

Country Home magazine is jumping into the event business with its announcement of six new "Country Home Antiquing Festivals," to be held in three markets during 2008, including Nashville, Tenn., Springfield, Ohio, and Farmington, Conn. Hoping to attract decorators, designers and in-market consumers, the festivals will feature antiques, collectibles, gardening, architecture and art dealers. The magazine hopes to attract up to 2,200 dealers per show, plus 10,000 attendees at Nashville and Farmington, and 25,000 attendees at Springfield.