Mr. Magazine Names Notable Launches of 2001

Posted on February 8, 2002

Samir Husni, the Internet's Mr. Magazine and professor of journalism at the University of Mississippi, announced that The Week, the news weekly magazine from Dennis Publishing, is the most notable launch of the year. Other notable launches included Rosie, Elle Girl, Ready Made, National Geographic for Kids, My Generation, Gotham and Fine.

"In the 17 years that I have been preaching the idea of `more information in less time and less space,' I have never seen a magazine that encompasses my philosophy as well as The Week," said Husni. "The innovation of editorial content combined with the innovation behind the publication's editorial concept is what makes The Week the launch of the year. There seems to be no limit as to how much information can be crammed between the covers of this magazine in a way that is concise, to the point, and easy to read."

The criteria for selection according to Mr. Magazine include innovation, publicity, relevance to target market, and diversity and specialization. It is these factors, Husni believes, which attract and keep the audience a magazine needs to be successful. Previous winners include O: The Oprah Magazine, ESPN, In Style and Maxim.

Husni notes that there were 702 magazines launched last year, down more than 25% from the previous year. He attributes the decline to the slowdown in the economy and its effect on the advertising industry.