HFM U.S. launches Photo/Electronics Group

Delivering a Combined Audience of over 5 Million Print Readers and Over 1 Million Unique Online Visitors
VP/Publisher Jeffrey Roberts to Head New Group

To accomplish a more unified approach to advertisers who want to reach enthusiasts who are passionate about photography equipment, home theater systems, high end audio and other consumer electronics including personal music and video players, Jack Kliger, President & CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.) announced today that HFM U.S. is forming The Photo/Electronics Group, which will include American Photo, Popular Photography, and Sound & Vision magazines as well as PopPhoto.com and SoundandVisionmag.com.

With a combined audience of over 5 million print readers (over 725,000 circulation) and over 1 million unique online visitors, the Group will deliver a targeted audience of opinionated and knowledgeable consumers who influence the purchasing habits of multiple buyers for a wide array of products and services.

“These titles and websites are highly complementary on both the editorial and publishing fronts. This reorganization allows us to continue to serve our enthusiasts, as well as consumers seeking product advice. This move is in line with our overall strategy to deliver larger aggregated audiences, specifically in-market buyers, in key segments,” stated Kliger.

Jeffrey Roberts, VP/Publisher of American Photo, Popular Photography, and PopPhoto.com will be VP/Publisher HFM U.S. Photo/Electronics Group and will continue to report to Nick Matarazzo, EVP/Group Publishing Director, Men’s Enthusiast Network.

“This Group allows us to offer enhanced print and online advertising packages which include integrated marketing programs and branded events. Our proprietary database of 20 million will also be leveraged to the fullest,” said Roberts. “We will create packages to include Premiere.com and our new shelter website PointClickHome. These sites attract like-minded consumers interested in DVDs and home entertainment.”

Anthony Ruotolo, Associate Publisher of Popular Photography and American Photo, has been named Associate Publisher HFM U.S. Photo/Electronics Group and will continue to report to Roberts. John Owens is the Senior Vice President/Group Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Popular Photography. David Schonauer is the VP/Editor-in-Chief of American Photo. Mike Mettler is VP/Editor-in-Chief of Sound & Vision. Jay DeFoore is the Executive Editor of the Photo/Electronics websites. Sound & Vision publisher Steve Shepherd will be leaving the company.

SoundandVisionmag.com will relaunch next year and will add new content including interviews with film and music celebrities, as well as a Premiere.com channel featuring DVD and music reviews. Visitors to the website will be able to buy directly from participating vendors. How-to, custom-installation content from Sound and Vision will also be featured on PointClickHome.com.

About American Photo:

American Photo celebrates photography in a cultural setting, covering the art and the swiftly-changing technology of photography, showing readers new ways in which to enrich their own photographic lifestyles. It offers a unique visual environment and authoritative editorial voice that inspires and informs an audience ranging from advanced photography enthusiasts to photo professionals, as well as those who appreciate and respond to excellence in imagery, design, and writing. Published six times per year, with a circulation of 175,000, the title reaches nearly 2 million readers.

About Popular Photography:

Popular Photography is the world’s largest imaging magazine and the leading authority on all types of cameras, printers, computers and accessories related to digital imaging. The publication includes spectacular photographs taken by top professional photographers which are used as teaching tools across a variety of imaging techniques. As part of its commitment to furthering photographic education, Popular Photography also offers two unique workshop series designed to provide attendees with hands-on instruction in locations across the country and exotic destinations around the world. Published 12 times a year, with a circulation of 350,000, the title reaches over 2.5 million readers.

Established in 1958, as Stereo Review, Sound & Vision has led the field in coverage of consumer electronics products since its inception and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2008. From early adopters to everyday shoppers, people come to Sound & Vision for the latest product reviews, recommendations and information on home theater, high-definition TV, digital surround sound, and more. Published ten times per year, the title has a circulation of 200,000 and an audience of over 1.1 million.

About PopPhoto.com:

Popphoto.com is one of the fastest growing websites catering to the photo enthusiast as well as the consumer at large who visits the website for unbiased research and buying guidance. With daily coverage of new products, exclusive web only features, test and reviews posted by the editors of American Photo and Popular Photography, it is the world’s premier showcase for outstanding photography and the leading technical authority, buyer’s guide and how-to resource. PopPhoto serves a rapidly growing audience of over 736,000 unique visitors per month.

About SoundandVisionmag.com:

Soundandvisionmag.com is the online authority for home theater and high-end audio and provides visitors with a one stop location to research information, get buying advice, uncover the latest information, and purchase hardware and software directly from participating vendors. The site currently averages 284,000 visitors per month.

Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (www.hfmus.com) enthusiast brands reach over 50 million consumers through magazines and millions more through online and mobile content. The company’s prestigious brands include American Photo, Boating, Car and Driver, Cycle World, ELLE, ELLE Decor, ELLEgirl, Flying, Home, Metropolitan Home, Popular Photography & Imaging, Premiere, Road & Track, Sound & Vision, Woman’s Day and Woman’s Day Special Interest Publications. The company recently purchased Jumpstart Automotive Media, the vertical advertising network focused exclusively on the automotive industry, and has launched its first digital brand PointClickHome, the home decoration/makeover site. Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. also includes book and custom publishing, integrated marketing, database and market research, as well as licensing, and is part of the Lagardère Active division of Lagardère SCA (www.lagardere.com).