• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, August 10, 2007

For the first time since its Web site introduced podcasts in January 2006, BusinessWeek recorded more than 1 million podcast downloads in June. Leading the way were podcasts that supplement its cover stories and its regular Q&A column "The Welch Way," penned by Jack and Suzy Welch. The cover stories for the month were "Hot Growth: The 100 Best Small Companies To Watch," "3M's Innovation Crisis," "The Real Cost Of Offshoring" and "Telecom Back From The Dead."

In their podcasts, the Welches discuss in lively fashion (relatively, for business reporting) the issues suggested by readers. His status as the legendary leader of GE, and her wide-ranging business knowledge--she was formerly editor in chief of Harvard Business Review--have contributed to the popularity of both the column and the podcast.

BusinessWeek has been careful to avoid some of the familiar mistakes made by magazine publishers trying to cash in on podcasts. Foremost, the podcasts typically feature new content, rather than stale retreads of the print stories.

Nor do they steer clear of personal controversy, often lacking in business journalism. Some BusinessWeek readers (and listeners) may remember that Suzy Welch was forced to step down as head of the Harvard Business Review for having an affair with her future husband while reporting on him. There's a certain appeal in hearing the voices of this famous couple as they banter about issues of the day. Done correctly, this kind of human element can be a huge boost for podcasts.

Rise Gives Birth To Girl

Rise, a monthly sports and lifestyle magazine for high school athletes that has a mostly male readership, is introducing a new publication specifically targeting female athletes in the same age bracket. The new monthly magazine Girl will launch with a controlled circulation of about 300,000. Its launch is timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the passage of Title 9, a Federal amendment that established gender equality in educational funding on June 23, 1972. This famous legislation led to the creation of many high-school female athletic programs. The first issue will include a celebration of notable female athletes since Title 9 was passed, from Billie Jean King onward.

Outside and Outside's Go Go Zinio

Outside and its sister publication, Outside's Go, are launching digital versions of their publications in partnership with Zinio, which creates digital copies of print magazines, including advertisements, viewable via the Internet, complete with a page-flipping graphic. The deal has already made digital editions of Outside available to subscribers, and Outside Go is set to follow in September. Overall, Zinio delivers about 1.5 million digital magazine editions a month.

Scientific American Launches Mobile Site

Scientific American has created a mobile Internet site that will make its content available free to anyone with a Web-enabled mobile device. It includes daily news in science, technology, space, health, mind, nature, and biology; daily trivia questions; and channel navigation. Mina Lux, managing director and vice president of online for Scientific American, said "the launch of our mobile service is part of a broader brand strategy by our publication to offer new technology offerings to our loyal readership."

Jim Impoco Exits Portfolio

Jim Impoco, a deputy editor at Portfolio magazine, has left the magazine amid reports he clashed with editor in chief Joanne Lipman. He previously worked at The New York Times Sunday business section and Fortune magazine. Impoco was said to have a hand in helping recruit many of the name reporters in Portfolio's current journalistic stable.

Latina Names Lauren Michaels Publisher

Lauren Michaels has been named publisher of Latina magazine, owner Latina Media Ventures announced today. Michaels, who previously worked for Conde Nast and Hearst Magazines, will begin her new role on August 16. Most recently, she served as group advertising director at Vogue. Before that, she was associate publisher of Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping and Harper's Bazaar. Michaels joins another former Hearst executive, Cindy Lewis, who joined Latina Media Ventures as president in April.

Nielsen Business Taps Andy Hartnett Director for Biz Development

Nielsen Business Media has named Andy Hartnett director of business development for its marketing and media group, which includes publications Adweek, Brandweek, Mediaweek, Editor & Publisher and American Artist. The group also owns and operates the Clio Awards festival. In his new role, Hartnett will be responsible for new business and product development across a variety of channels, including custom publishing, print, online and events.