<i>Giant</i> Magazine Suspends Publication, Moves To Web

Multimedia company Radio One announced today that it is suspending publication of its bi-monthly magazine Giant, while launching the Web site GIANTLife.com in order to "super-serve a highly underserved audience" of affluent African Americans ages 21 to 34. Radio One acquired Giant three years ago, the company said. "Over the past three years, the print version of Giant magazine has grown in advertiser support and fostered a loyal following among readers both online and off," said Tom Newman, president of Interactive One, Radio One's digital arm, in an announcement today. "The economic downturn has had a tremendous impact on print media and we had to make the decision to suspend printing the publication." Newman added that the shift from the print to the online and interactive format will be able to better serve Giant's readers and advertisers. Allhiphop.com reports that the last issue of Giant, featuring Alicia Keys on the cover, will hit newsstands on December 15. Meanwhile, a post on Giant's Web site announcing the launch of GIANTLife.com says the site will launch with an exclusive video series, "Cover Stories", hosted by Interactive One's chief content officer Smokey D. Fontaine. The debut episode will feature Giant magazine cover subject Keys. "Giant Magazine is now...GIANTLIFE.COM," the post said. Full release after the jump Related: Another Magazine Death: Vibe Reportedly Closing Interactive One Launches GIANTLife.com for the Affluent African American Consumer; Suspends Print Version of GIANT Magazine Interactive One, the Largest Online Media Company Serving Black Americans, Reaches More than 9 Million Monthly Unique Visitors and Includes BlackPlanet, NewsOne, TheUrbanDaily, HelloBeautiful, Elev8 and GiantLife Download image NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Interactive One, LLC the digital connection for Black America and the digital division of Radio One, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROIAK and ROIA), the largest African American multimedia company, today announced the launch of GIANTLife.com to super-serve a highly underserved audience, affluent African Americans 21-34 and will suspend printing the bi-monthly GIANT magazine. GIANT magazine was acquired by Radio One in 2007 with a vision of creating an upscale lifestyle magazine for the African American community. Over the past 3 years GIANT magazine has become the preeminent source of Celebrity, Style and Culture for the urban consumer 21-34. GIANTLife.com will continue and expand upon the magazine's original vision by providing a larger audience with superior original content and access to an exclusive lifestyle. Interactive One was launched by Radio One in 2008 to complement Radio One's existing portfolio of media companies and to serve the growing online African American community. Since its launch, Interactive One has quickly become the #1 online platform for the African American community. Powered by the mission to create an online community that informs, entertains and inspires, GIANTLife.com will be part of the Interactive One network. "Over the past three years, the print version of GIANT magazine has grown in advertiser support and fostered a loyal following among readers both online and off," said Tom Newman, President of Interactive One. "The economic downturn has had a tremendous impact on print media and we had to make the decision to suspend printing the publication. Additionally we recognize the increase in demand for real time information and see this as an opportunity to leverage our existing robust online platform to better serve GIANT consumers and advertisers through our interactive medium." GIANTLife.com launches with an exclusive video series hosted by Interactive One's Chief Content Officer Smokey D. Fontaine called Cover Stories. The debut episode features 12-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys; forthcoming episodes will feature 50 Cent, supermodel Sessilee Lopez, LisaRaye and actress Paula Patton. Alicia Keys also will grace the final cover of the print version available on news-stands December 15. GIANT magazine has been known for creative photography and superior editorial. Over the years GIANT magazine has covered such talents as Beyonce, Prince, Rihanna, Maxwell, and most recently Paula Patton. GIANTLife.com will offer consumers access to the same celebrity profiles through its products, TheGIANTList, Cover Stories hosted by Smokey Fontaine and exclusive coverage of cultural events and special features of emerging talent in the African American community. "Suspending the print vehicle marks the end of an era, but I am thrilled with the opportunity to bring more Celebrity, Style and Culture to our audiences through my exclusive video series, and other integrated rich media opportunities," said Mr. Fontaine. "In the coming months consumers can look forward to more exclusive content from trend-setter and celebrity bloggers and active user participation and dialogue through TheGIANTList." Interactive One is finalizing plans for its current GIANT magazine subscribers and will notify them over the next few weeks.

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Giant Magazine Suspends Publication, Moves To Web

Amanda Ernst

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