For the first time, global news and business pub The Economist took the No.1 spot on AdweekMedia’s annual “Hot List,” leaping from its No. 10 rank last year – the biggest jump on the list that’s otherwise dominated by women’s lifestyle titles.
Returning titles from last year are The Economist, Real Simple, More, Glamour and Martha Stewart Living.
Conde Nast had five honored publications: Vogue, Glamour, Cond? Nast Traveler, Cookie, and Men’s Vogue. Following is Rodale with three titles: Women’s Health, BestLife and Bicycling.
“Posting enviable advertising and circulation growth, The Economist’s No. 1 ranking on this year’s ‘Hot List’ is a clear indication of the continued relevance and appeal of news and business publications despite the dominance of women’s lifestyle, fashion and beauty titles,” said Tony Case, editor of?AdweekMedia special reports.
Selection to AdweekMedia’s annual “Hot List” is based on ad page and revenue gains; performance within a magazine’s competitive category; circulation gains; interviews with media buyers and consultants; and AdweekMedia’s own editorial judgment. Magazines must have at least $50 million in advertising revenue and publish 10 issues or more annually.
AdWeek Media also issued its “10 Under 50 List,” which highlights the top magazines with under $50 million in annual revenue:
Also, Time Inc.’s People.com was the recipient of AdweekMedia’s first-ever “Magazine Web Site of the Year” award.
Despite considerable competition from the celeb-centric blogosphere and an array of newer players chasing celebrity triumphs and scandals, People.com was one of the most-trafficked magazine-generated sites, growing its audience 48% in 2007, totaling 6.3 million monthly unique users.
The Economist earned dual honors: Publisher Paul Rossi and editor John Micklethwait won the “Executive Team of the Year” award as well.
For much more on the awards, see MediaWeek’s coverage.