MOST NOTABLE LAUNCHES OF NEW MAGAZINES IN 2006

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – (February, 2007 – SweetTea Journal, which explores the scenic beauty, cultural heritage, distinctive regional livelihoods and unique historical traditions of Northwest Florida, has been ranked one of “31 Notable Magazine Launches” of the 850 new magazines to debut in 2006, according to Media Industry Newsletter (MIN), one of the publishing industry’s leading authorities since 1947.

The Birmingham-based magazine was honored in a December 18, 2006, article and listing, authored by MIN editor-in-chief Steve Cohn. The story was headlined “MIN’s Exclusive 2006 Launch Review,” in which Samir Husni, the University of Mississippi journalism department chairman/Guide to New Magazines author, named the most notable magazine launches of the past year.

SweetTea Journal was recognized for excellence along with such new powerhouses as Disney Publishing’s WonderTime, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia’s Blueprint, and spinoffs from cherished brands Vogue and Travel + Leisure that include Men’s Vogue and Travel + Romance. Other distinguished honorees were Golf Magazine Living, published by Time Inc., and Play, published by the New York Times Magazine and the New York Times Company in New York. 

“Samir Husni and I recognized SweetTea Journal’s one-off quality, singular voice and sophisticated, aesthetically beautiful presentation that made it a conspicuous standout even among the 850 other magazines that were launched last year,” Cohn said. “With that in mind, I’d say SweetTea deserves special recognition in light of the very heavy competition from the hundreds of other new titles that premiered in 2006.”

“Samir Husni, a.k.a. ‘Mr. Magazine,’ is a well-known authority in the publishing industry, and for us to be singled out among the most notable launches in any given year is something we feel justifiably proud of,” added Todd Keith, Editor, SweetTea Journal. “Samir has a good habit of spotting the best new magazines from across the country each year, and we plan to continue living up to his praise.”

In its first two issues, SweetTea Journal featured articles and compelling photos that provide a detailed look into Northwest Florida’s culture, natural attractions, people, architecture, and history. The magazine’s coverage stretches along the Gulf Coast from the westernmost white sandy beaches of Pensacola to the easterly enclaves of Apalachicola, recalling old Florida, north to the state capital of Tallahassee, tracing its canopy roads to the Alabama state line. Showing a keen interest in the offbeat, out of the way and sometimes hidden places and stories of what with good reason has been called Florida’s Forgotten Coast, SweetTea’s target audience is well educated and sophisticated with a high household income.

SweetTea Journal is published jointly by SweetTea Publishing and SPC Custom Publishing, Inc., a division of Southern Progress Corporation that also publishes titles such as Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines. Please direct all inquiries to SweetTea Journal, 205-445-5944. For more information and subscriptions, visit www.sweetteajournal.com.

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