SkyNews making the most of rare solar eclipse

SkyNews has put a special 4-page insert into its Sept/Oct issue, which is on newsstands since August 8, just before the August 21 solar eclipse which is tracking across the mid-U.S. They're also binding in special solar-safe viewers in those newstand copies (subscribers got theirs in the July-August issue.) 

"To promote these bonus items, we stickered the newsstand issues and we’re running an eclipse on the cover once again," says Janice McLean, the art director at SkyNews told Mastheadonline. "This is generally our Astrophoto issue, but we do have one story running in the main issue about future eclipses, which gave us the opportunity to run an eclipse image and coverlines on the full run of the magazine.”

Halifax mag polls readers about favourite beer(s)

Halifax magazine is running a beer poll, asking its readers to share their favourites, making themselves eligible for a free year's subscription. The magazine has always has an interest in beer, having recommended 150 different ones last year in HalifaxMag.com. Now they're asking for nominations for the best beers in HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) and in Nova Scotia.

Shared Mag Moments campaign draws 18,000 responses, 50,000 video views

Magazines Canada's contest campaign Share Your Magazine Moment to promote consumer engagement with and purchase of Canadian magazines, both English and French, concluded at the end of May with

• 33,000 visits to Canada's Magazine Store
• 50,000 video views and 
• 18,000 shared magazine moments

Every contest entry included a favourite magazine moment.  Three grand prize winners were selected to receive a 3-night Fairmont Hotel stay for two, a $500 Roots Canada Gift Card and $1,500 for travel expenses, plus admission to attractions and events:

• Calgary – Fairmont Palliser: Daniel Lemire, Magog QC
• Toronto – Fairmont Royal York: Suzanne Giroux, Ponteix SK
• Québec City – Le Château Frontenac: Andrea Alexander, Vancouver BC

Five second prize winners were selected to each receive a $100 Roots Gift Card: Sarah Ferguson, Saskatoon SK; Bruce Litowitz, Victoria BC; Michael Bradburn, Pickering ON; Louise Blouin, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC; and Cathy Robichaud, Sarnia ON.

"Really cool" art is featured on June cover of OWL magazine

Eleven year old Abigail DiBiase of Wasaga Beach, Ontario  has her artwork featured on the cover of OWL magazine's June issue, in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary. She won a contest that allowed kids 8 to 14 from across the country to submit artwork that defined what is "cool" about Canada.  

As the grand prize winner, DiBiase will receive an Acer tablet, an Owlkids prize pack and the issue with her artwork will be on newsstands across Canada on June 5.

"We were overwhelmed by the response from our readers. We received over 400 entries and the quality of the artwork was incredible," says Kendra Brown, Editor, OWL Magazine, [in a release.]  "Kids were excited to share with us, through their art, what they loved about Canada, and I was so impressed by both the creativity and thoughtfulness of their submissions. The idea of inclusion, openness and acceptance was a common element expressed through the art of many OWL readers.  Now, more than ever, it is especially reassuring to see such a hopeful and positive message being shared by this younger generation."

 DiBiase herself said

"I love the magazine and had a lot of fun working on my cover. My artwork shows that Canada is full of so many different people and I think it's really cool that we all live together in a happy way."

Mags Canada launches 2nd getaway contest to celebrate readership of Canadian magazines

Magazines Canada is launching its second Magazine Moment Genuine Canadian getaway contest inviting Canadians to celebrate reading their favourite Canadian magazines. There are three grand prizes worth up to $4,700 and five secondary prizes.The grand prizes include three night's accommodation in a Fairmont Hotel in the city of their choice, $1,500 travel spending money and a $500 Roots gift card.

The contest marks the 150th anniversary of Canada and is an extension of the Canadian Magazine Mashup series of promotional videos meant to speak to the unique experiences which derive from the diversity and range of Canadian magazine titles. 

“We wanted to create something that shows how much there is to discover at a Canadian magazine stand—there really is something there for everyone,” says Matthew Holmes, Magazines Canada CEO in a release. “Canadian Magazine Mashups showcase how our stories captivate and arrest us—take us to another place, and then bring us right back home,” agrees Annie Gabrielian of St. Joseph Media.

The industry association points out that 3 out of 4 Canadians read magazines regularly, spending an average of 49 minutes per issue.  

Read more »

Weddingbells magazine launching its own bridal show in January 2017

Weddingbells magazine is launching a bridal show called Unveiled that will take place at Toronto's Arcadian Court on January 21, 2017. The show is expected to have over 100 exhibitors and will include a live editorial fashion sheet featuring a bridal fashion runway as part of "content ecosystem that will span from print and digital to social media, mobile and e-commerce." 

While it seems obvious that a magazine called Weddingbells would have its own show, it is being launched into a somewhat crowded field, including Canada's Bridal Show, the Persian Bridal Show, National Bridal Show and the Ultimate Bridal Show, among many others in the Greater Toronto and Niagara area. 

FASHION magazine sells cover exposure to fashion retailer Joe Fresh

FASHION magazine (St. Joseph Media) is collaborating closely with major fashion retailer Joe Fresh with a September 2016 8-page gatefold cover featuring supermodel Karlie Kloss. The magazine says this is the first of its kind branded integration spanning both print and digital platforms. 

 “This is partnership at its best and it really raises the bar for collaborations in the future. Joe Fresh challenged us to do something bold, first to market and groundbreaking — and we responded with a beautiful multi-platform editorial integration that is on-brand for FASHION, and designed to engage consumers.”said Jacqueline Loch, VP & Group Publisher St. Joseph Media, Women’s Brands.

The issue has a prominent coverline mentioning Joe Fresh also contains second cover with model Kloss. Inside the magazine is  a five-page article showcasing the model wearing items from the Joe Fresh fall collection. A special 5,000 copy print overrun of the cover gatefold will be available at Joe Fresh’s flagship store on Queen Street West  in Toronto. The magazine is on newsstands Aug 15.

The Walrus Foundation announces cross-country conversations about Canada's next 50 years

The Walrus Foundation, publishers of The Walrus magazine, have announced a national tour next spring that will mark the 150th anniversary of Canada.  [click image above to enlarge.] The non-profit foundation, in partnership with the Order of Canada and Canada 150, will present an expanded edition of The Walrus Talks: Conversations about Canada: We Desire a Better Country. The free events over 13 weeks from March 1—June 1, 2017 will focus on Canada's future, featuring  fifty members of the Order of Canada and fifty youth leaders at events in 13 provinces and territories . The sesquicentennial coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Order.
Among the participants so far announced, performers and otherwise, will be Margaret Atwood, Tom Jackson, Molly Johnson, Clara Hughes, Roberta Jamieson, Susan Aglukark, Shelagh Rogers, Murray McLauchlan, John Kim Bell, Samantha Nutt, Charles Pachter, Ben Heppner, Jane Hilderman and Caro Lufti.

“Conversations about Canada will build a deeper understanding of Canada,” says Shelley Ambrose, executive director of the Walrus Foundation and publisher of The Walrus. “It will provide Canadians with opportunities to participate and celebrate together; shape a more inclusive vision of Canadian society, its people, and what it means to be Canadian; and recognize the exceptional Canadian people, places, achievements, and events that will shape our country for the next fifty years.”

Colouring cover used by Faith Today, Canada's Christian magazine

A few weeks ago we wrote about a colouring cover from Cottage Life magazine. Now we're seeing one on the July/August cover of Faith Today. 

There are similarities -- readers colour the outline image and upload the result -- and differences -- in Cottage Life's case, the cover is a sponsored gatefold while in Faith Today's case, it is the actual cover.

Faith Today readers' entries qualify them for a random draw for a devotional book. Cottage Life readers with their entry will be selected by a panel to receive a set of candles from the magazine's branded merchandise lineup. 

The complete Faith Today issue is available online. 

Canada's History and Kayak giving out free Canada Day copies

Canada's History and Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids are ramping up special issues for Canada Day, with free copies being distributed at Canada Day celebrations across the country. The promotion is part of a test run for 2017, when the magazines are pulling out the stops for the country's sesquicentennial. The expanded special distribution is 

• 85,000 Canada’s History (English)
• 15,000 Canada’s History (French)
• 25,000 Kayak: Canada’s History for Kids (English)
• 15,000 Kayak: Canada’s History for Kids (French)

Both magazines are published by the Winnipeg-based Canada's History Society. Its usual paid and verified circulation is about 35,000, including 28,000 paid subscribers and 4,000 newsstand sales. 

Atlantic News, the much-loved Halifax newsstand is offering its customers a "surprise bag" wrapped to hide what is inside. In this case, sight unseen, you pay $6.50, including tax, to find out what magazine you get. 

Covering the world climate talks

A\J magazine from Waterloo is an ocean and half a continent away from the forthcoming climate talks in Paris (Nov 30 to Dec 11) but that doesn't prevent it bringing reporting, backgrounders, analysis and expert opinion. (It gives new meaning to punching above its weight.) There will be live tweets from the home team and editorial manager Megan Nourse  @AlternativesJ, stories from environmental leaders like Bill McKibbon, Green Party leader Elizabeth May and others. Log in to ajmag.ca/COP21.

Three literaries band together to create a seasonal pop-up shop

Three literary  magazines in Toronto -- The Feathertale Review, CAROUSEL and Poetry is

Dead -- will be opening a pop-up shop and arts festival called LIT BANG! starting November 26. It will be in the Milk Glass Gallery 1247 Dundas St in Toronto (Ossington/Dundas). The three titles have banded together as Print: Art/Lit Publishers United.

The shop opens November 26 with the launch party for issue 16 of The Feathertale Review and stays in place until December 20. Shop hours are 1-7 pm week days and 11 am - 5 pm weekends. 

"It was made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts, which gave Feathertale a grant to create a dedicated store front to try to promote and sell a group of small magazines," said Feathertale editor Brett Popplewell. "To some extent it's an attempt to create a very targeted and interactive newsstand for our titles on a busy Toronto street." 

Among the highlights (of the more than a dozen events throughout the month) are an opening reception Dec 3 with an art show featuring original work and prints and an ‘All The Words’ Festival Dec 12/13 where on the Saturday, a range of fellow small presses (like Little Brother and Taddle Creek) are invited to showcase their publications; and on Sunday, enthusiasts of the genre can take part in our Chapbook Exchange. Plus artwork, readings, talks and performances by (among others) Margaret Christakos, Mark Connery, Jim Johnstone, Dakota McFadzean, Gustave Morin, Sachiko Murakami, Sarah Pinder, Michael Toke, Fiona Smyth and Jacqueline Valencia.
Full schedule

Canadian Immigrant magazine to hold first Halifax career and settlement fair

Canadian Immigrant magazine, in collaboration with sponsor Scotiabank and Fusion Halifax, is presenting Halifax's first annual career, education and settlement fair at the World Trade & Convention Centre. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

The fair is built on the success of similar events held in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary in the past 5 years. (More than 1,500 Canadian newcomers attended the 5th annual event in Toronto in June.) The Halifax fair this September will be tailored to the specific needs of immigrants in the province, including its growing numbers of international students and temporary foreign workers.

"Nova Scotia has one of the highest intakes of temporary workers and international students, and our fair will create a place where immigrants of all types can come to learn about immigration, education and careers in the region," says Sanjay Agnihotri, Group Publisher of Canadian Immigrant. "Halifax's history is steeped in immigration to Canada, boasting the famed Pier 21 Canadian Museum of Immigration, and our goal is to ensure that today's new arrivals get the information and inspiration they need to succeed in Canada." 

Canadian Immigrant, a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd. has more than 287,000 readers each month through its print publication and website (www.canadianimmigrant.ca).

Going big for September, Hearst fashion magazines use roving newsstand and "mags in a box"

"Fashion to Go"

September is the key month for many fashion magazines and Hearst Magazines in the U.S. is hustling them in and around New York with the "Mag Mobile", a travelling newsstand selling copies of Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen and giving away samples of beauty products.

It's combining this with a continuation of a remarkable promotion it started last year -- selling a 9.2-pound "Fashion to Go" package of Hearst magazines.

And, as part of its "September strategy", according to Adweek, Hearst is also using so-called "beacon technology" in partnership with the Barnes & Noble bookstore chain to alert potential readers of Elle to the arrival of the September issue whenever they pass a B & N store. This year's Elle is the biggest ever in its 30 years, promoted with four different covers. Big sister magazine Bazaar has the largest issue in its 148-year history and Marie Claire has its 2nd largest. 

"Overall, the fashion group's strong September showing can be linked to luxury brands betting on U.S. consumers. "All of the European luxury markets have significantly increased their spend in America, particularly as the rest of the world is a bit softer and the luxury marketplace in the U.S. is very robust," said [Hearst Magazines president and publishing director Michael] Clinton "The American market is now the growth market."

Shameless magazine launches Talking Back youth writing award

Here's a brand new writing competition well worth noting: The first Talking Back Awards from Shameless magazine is for teen girls or trans youth 13 - 19 years old and is open to anyone in the world. 

Entries can be made in poetry, short fiction and creative non-fiction. Maximum 2,000 words. Deadline for entries, Monday, September 7 2015 at midnight. It costs $15 to enter and with that comes a free one-year subscription. 

The entries will be judged by poet and short story writer Souvankham Thammavongsa, writer Anupa Mistry, who specializes in arts, culture and community, and Emily Pohl-Weary, an award-winning novelist, editor and arts educator from Toronto. 

There will be first and second place winners in each category. First place winners will be published in a 2016 issue of Shameless, and on the Shameless blog and receive an honorarium of $200 CAD. Second place winners will be published in a 2016 issue of Shameless, and receive an honorarium of $100 CAD. Plus all six winners will be invited to do a special reading at the Shamies Gala, an annual celebration of Shameless and the youth voices in the magazine. The event will take place on October 16th at OCAD University in Toronto. 

For those not familiar with it, Shameless is an independent, volunteer-run magazine based in Toronto and aimed at being the alternative to typical teen magazines. Its goal is to inspire, inform and advocate for young women and trans youth. 

Original visual poems sold to help fund Musicworks magazine's classroom program

As part of its fundraising for its Music in the Classroom program, Musicworks magazine is offering for sale a series of 11 original, hand-drawn and hand-painted visual poems created exclusively for offshoot Musicworks Editions by the internationally renowned sound poet Jaap Blonk. The sale of Secret Recipes ($200 per image*) directly supports Musicworks In The Classroom. Funded exclusively by donors, the classroom program distribute more than 3,000 copies of Musicworks to undergraduate music and media-arts students every year. Blonk explains:

"The Secret Recipes series started with some kitchen experiments: the combination of one liquid and one solid / powder ingredient, such as buttermilk and turmeric, beetroot juice and icing sugar or carrot juice and mustard seed. Due to the relative incompatibility of tastes the recipes weren’t very successful, and I decided to keep them secret. Directions are written; however, they are in a script that has such a distant relation to phonetic notation that it has become indecipherable."

Previous offerings from Musicwork Editions have been Pauline Oliveros’ Important Notice, John Oswald’s Four Editors Edited, R. Murray Schafer’s The Black Theatre of Hermes Trismegistos, and Gordon Monahan’s ABCDEFG.

Water Canada's Water's Next awards puts it at the centre of its industry

Water Canada magazine built its reputation with its audience by creating an annual Waters Next awards and showcase for the water community -- people and companies working to expand and improve water and wastewater management. It's a good example of making your magazine indispensable to specialist readers who may also be entrants and expert judges. 

From some 90 submissions, 8 awards were made recently in Vancouver in conjunction with the Canadian Water Summit, produced by Actual Media, publishers of Water Canada and ReNew Canada magazines.

“Water Canada started Water’s Next as a way to celebrate the thriving national water community and showcase Canada’s water leaders, champions, and innovations,” said editor Rachel Phan in a news release. “These eight Water’s Next winners have worked tirelessly to make safe, healthy water resources a priority in Canada.”

Lianne George replaces Karine Ewart as EIC of Chatelaine

Lianne George has been promoted to editor-in-chief of Chatelaine magazine. Since 2014, when The Grid closed, George has served as editorial director of Rogers Media's flagship women's title. She replaces Karine Ewart who had been in the chair about 17 months; Rogers's announcement made no mention of Ewart's departure.

Ewart moved over from Today's Parent in January 2014 to replace Jane Francisco after she was scooped to become editor-in-chief of Hearst's Good Housekeeping. 

George first joined Rogers in 2004 as associate editor at Maclean's, and was promoted to senior editor a year later. In 2009, she was appointed deputy editor of Canadian Business.  In 2010, she left Rogers to help launch Torstar's Toronto weekly, The Grid, where she helped build the publication into an award-winning multiplatform brand – first as deputy editor, then as editor. 

"I've been a Chatelaine reader for as long as I can remember," she said in a company release. "No other publication has such a rich tradition of chronicling the lives of Canadian women – their families, careers, challenges, and of course, the eternal question of what's for dinner.The opportunity to help reimagine Chatelaine across multiple platforms for a new generation of readers is a great honour."

Breaking the stigma by breaking the seal

Bloody magazine! The ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi Switzerland partnered with the progressive men's magazine Vangardist to produce a cover whose ink is infused with HIV-positive blood. This, according to a story in FishbowlNY. 

The magazine carries no  risk of infection, but does carry a significant possibility of provoking a debate about the stigma that still attaches to the disease. Originally launched in  2015 as a digital-only publication, Vangardist produced the print
issue to coincide with Life Ball, an annual AIDS charity event in Vienna. It also produced a Facebook page HIV Heroes, and together with the hashtag #HIVHeroes, is hoping to foster renewed online support and discussion. 

Each designated copy of the German and English-language publication comes wrapped in plastic and includes a note that reads: ‘Break the seal and help break the stigma.’ Commented Vangardist publisher and CEO Julian Wiehl: 

“With 80% more confirmed cases of HIV being recorded in 2013 than ten years previously, and an estimated 50% of HIV cases being detected late due to lack of testing caused by social stigma associated with the virus, this felt like a very relevant issue for us to focus on not just editorially but also from a broader communications stand point.”