• by Erik Sass , July 13, 2007

The Publishing Group of America announced this week that two of its newspaper-distributed magazines, American Profile and Relish, are rolling out digital content for mobile phones with pay-per-use monthly subscriptions. For Relish, the content includes three weekly recipes, as well as recipes on demand from its archive.

PGA's mobile offering is unusual for the magazine business, because it doesn't involve a partnership with a major mobile carrier like Sprint or Verizon. Rather, PGA is offering the content directly to consumers via magazine-branded platforms owned and operated by DMD Mobile, which handles the infrastructure for PGA. David M. Deutsch, CEO of DMD Mobile, remarked: "This is a first--a magazine company offering its own branded service directly to readers on a pay-per-use basis."

Relish, a monthly magazine, has expanded its circulation 50% to 9 million since its launch in February 2006. The brand has also grown to include six cookbooks. American Profile has extended its reach with branded CDs sold in retail establishments. PGA has also launched a region-specific publications, Texas Profile, targeting newspapers in smaller towns and rural areas.

Smithsonian and Hyundai Team Up for Museum Day

Smithsonian is joining forces with Hyundai Motor America to present its third annual Museum Day on September 29. As part of the national event, hundreds of museums will offer free admission courtesy of Hyundai and co-sponsors CITGO and TIAA-CREF. Free admission at nearly 500 museums in 49 states is available to Smithsonian subscribers and visitors to Smithsonian.com. Kerry Bianchi, Smithsonian's publisher, remarked: "Museum Day opens the doors for all Americans to enjoy the rich diversity of our country's culture and supports Smithsonian magazine's mission to showcase and share our country's vast cultural wealth."

Justin Smith Heads to the Atlantic

Justin Smith, formerly the president of The Week magazine, is leaving the Dennis Publishing property to join The Atlantic Media Company, based in Washington, D.C., where he will head its consumer business. Smith's duties will be taken over by Dennis executive Steven Kotok, previously The Week's business director, responsible for circulation, production, distribution, strategy and finance operations. Smith will continue to offer consulting services to the magazine.

Since its founding in 2001, Smith led The Week through a period of growing circulation and advertising revenue. The magazine turned its first profit in the first half of 2007. The news of Smith's departure comes not long after the sale of Maxim, Spin and Stuff, Dennis Publishing's mainstream, mass-market titles targeting young men. For the time being, Dennis intends to hold on to The Week.

Vibe Media Appoints Steve Aaron CEO

Vibe Media Group has appointed Steve Aaron as its new CEO, replacing Eric Gertler. Daniel L. Black, a partner of The Wicks Group, which owns the group, remarked: "I am very excited to have Steve on board. I know that he is looking forward to building upon the strong foundation we have with the Vibe brand, working with our passionate team." Most recently, Aaron was group publishing director at Future, US, leading their music, technology and living divisions.

Jeremy Koch EVP, Consumer Marketing

The Magazine Publishers of America has named Jeremy Koch executive vice president of consumer marketing. According to the MPA, Koch is responsible for protecting, promoting and expanding the industry's interests in subscription, retail and digital distribution.

PC Ups Ulanoff To VP

Lance Ulanoff, PC's editor of reviews, has been promoted to vice president of content and editor in chief for the PC Magazine Network, which includes PCMag.com, Extremetech.com, DL.TV and PC itself. Ulanoff, who joined the magazine in 2000, oversaw the relaunch of PCMag.com in 2001 and subsequent audience growth topping 6 million unique visitors across its network of properties. He also manages the PC Magazine Labs, where analysts test and review products.