Kirkus has bought AudioFile magazine, which publishes more than 2,500 audiobook reviews a year and was founded in 1992 by Robin Whitten. A new audiobook section known as Kirkus Audiobook Reviews, which will be edited by AudioFile managing editor Jennifer Dowell, is part of Kirkus Reviews' January 1 issue. AudioFile publisher Michele Cobb will continue with Kirkus as its enterprise advertising director.
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| Meg Kuehn | |
Whitten said, "With Kirkus's acquisition of AudioFile's review program, the future is bright for audiobook reviews. It's been my honor to bring a spotlight to audiobooks and narrators for 34 years, and to know that will continue with Kirkus."
At the same time, Meg LaBorde Kuehn, who stepped down last July as Kirkus CEO and publisher, is returning to Kirkus with the same title and an expanded ownership position. In her new role, Kuehn will add a focus on strategic long-term growth through acquisitions and technology initiatives. The AudioFile purchase is the first example of this.
Kuehn commented, "In these times of American media companies scaling back coverage of books and literary culture, Kirkus is investing in the future. Audiobook coverage is the perfect next step in our expansion, and there is no company in the world more tuned in to the audience and its needs than AudioFile."
Herb Simon, chairman of Kirkus, said, "We are committed to growing Kirkus and enriching the book industry. Meg Kuehn is our trusted leader and agent of growth, and I'm thrilled to have her back as a partner."