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| Features |
| Industry News: Howden Media Group Announces End to Super Kart Illustrated |
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 | | Launched in 1998 at the SKUSA SuperNationals, this was the cover of the inaugural issue of Super Kart Illustrated, which will publish its final edition in December |
CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO (Dec. 5, 2006) - Rob and Kim Howden, the owners of Howden Communications Inc. (HCI) and Howden Media Group (HMG), have announced that after a successful eight-year run, the December-2006 publication of Super Kart Illustrated Magazine will be its final issue. In conjunction with their staff, the Howdens have truly enjoyed the process of delivering the magazine each month, however, several factors indicated that it was time to change their business plan for 2007.
The recent additions of “eKartingNews.com” and “eFormulaCarNews.com” have generated a renewed enthusiasm in the sport for the HMG team, while also understandably increasing the respective workloads of their staff members. These alternative news information vehicles continue to log phenomenal results and they have positioned themselves as the future focus of their company. As such, the decision to discontinue Super Kart Illustrated magazine will allow HMG to dedicate more attention to these websites, which arguably represent their primary growth areas. Not only will this avoid the potential overlap of race coverage on the website and in the magazine, with advertising budgets being spread thin in the current marketplace, many of their advertisers have expressed that the vastly superior website readership has given them more ‘bang for the buck’. With over 2.5 million views each month on EKN, it is clear that there is an audience for the more timely reporting and interactive nature of the forums that the websites are able to provide.
In addition, the Howdens have already begun their “EKN Affiliate Program” with the launch of “eKartingNews.ca” in Canada, and will continue to extend this program with an eye on the European communities. This is a very exciting prospect for the future.
Since the magazine has been a labour of love for the publishers, and it was the vehicle that first established the company in 1998, this decision was not made without sentiment. While their sheer enthusiasm for their products and love of the sport have provided the momentum for HMG's small four-person team to produce two magazines and two websites, streamlining the program will allow them to give attention to projects and areas that have been previously, and regrettably, left on the table. Following this decision, they are confident that increasing their focus on their other media outlets represents the best long-term approach for their business and for their family.
Of course, Rob and Kim would be remiss if they did not thank all those advertisers, contributors and subscribers who took a leap of faith when SKI first hit the market, and those who continued to support them through their publishing run. They are extremely excited about the potential of eKartingNews.com to deliver up-to-the minute karting coverage to a mass audience and it is their hope that the readership will continue to support HMG's efforts in building the sport of karting. The Howdens believe that they have only scratched the surface with their new Happy Hour Podcasts and Trackside Live coverage and they can now devote more of their attention to introducing new programs that will lead their company into the future.
SKI's loyal subscribers are important to the HMG staff and those with subscriptions that expire after the final Volume 8, Issue 12 (December-06) publication will receive a notice by mail indicating their options. The Howdens ask that subscribers refrain from calling the SKI office as they will be sending out a communication that will outline all the options. They appreciate your patience and understanding in this manner.
The December finale will be a packed issue with full coverage from the SKUSA SuperNationals and the Rotax Grand Finals. Once again, Rob and Kim would like to thank all those who have collaborated with SKI throughout the years and they hope that you will continue to support our efforts with eKartingNews.com. |
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