Interactive One closes GIANT magazine and launches GIANTLife.com

(November 30, 2009) Interactive One, LLC, the digital division of Radio One, Inc., today announced it will suspend printing the bi-monthly GIANT magazine and launch GIANTLife.com targeting affluent African Americans 21-34. GIANT was acquired by Radio One in 2007 with a vision of creating an upscale lifestyle magazine for the African American community. 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.

"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 Interactive One's Chief Content Officer, Smokey D. 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."

Alicia Keys is featured  on the final cover of GIANT magazine which goes on sale December 15. Interactive One is finalizing plans for its current GIANT magazine subscribers and will notify them over the next few weeks.

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 become the leading online platform targeting the African American community. 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 Smokey Fontaine called Cover Stories. The debut episode features Grammy award winner Alicia Keys; forthcoming episodes will feature 50 Cent, supermodel Sessilee Lopez, LisaRaye and actress Paula Patton.


Go to Target Market News homepage


 

_________________________________________________________________________________________