Publisher Meridith May of The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal Joins Forces With Russell Johns Associates
Encino, CA (PRWEB) May 03, 2014 -- Meridith May, publisher of The Tasting Panel Magazine, is getting ready to introduce the inaugural issue of The SOMM Journal. The magazine’s official introduction coincides with the announcement of May’s partnership with the advertising specialists at Russell Johns Associates (http://russelljohns.com).
May acquired The Sommelier Journal last year. The new and improved version is christened The SOMM Journal and will be geared to an academic, upscale audience of wine, craft spirits and hospitality professionals.
“The SOMM Journal’s new editorial board will be comprised of internationally renowned wine writers, sommeliers and authorities, including Anthony Dias Blue as editor-in-chief, David Gadd as managing editor, and a team of top wine and hospitality industry writers,” said May, the magazine’s publisher and editorial director.
May and Editor-in-Chief Blue—recipient of a 2001 James Beard Foundation Award as well as the 1997 Communicator of the Year Award from the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London—have a successful track record of working together: In 2007 they created The Tasting Panel magazine, which went on to become the most widely circulated trade publication in the beverage industry. The veteran wine industry pair has high hopes for their current fare.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that The SOMM Journal is the top resource for working sommeliers and drinks professionals,” May said.
The Journal’s first cover story is by nationally recognized wine academic and Master Sommelier, Tim Gaiser. The bi-monthly industry publication will feature articles and departments designed to “both inform and interest the working beverage industry professional, academic and connoisseur.”
The magazine’s distribution is pegged at 50,000, concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Miami, Denver, Washington, D.C., Boston, Seattle, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas/Austin, Houston, Minneapolis, Portland, Atlanta, San Diego, New Orleans, Louisville, Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte and Kansas City.
Russell Johns will support the ongoing efforts by May and her talented teams at The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal by helping to broaden the canvas of revenue opportunities with specialized selling into non-wine and spirits categories.
“As a trusted publisher’s representative, Russell Johns has been enhancing and developing advertising business strategies and furnishing solutions for publishers since 1968,” said Blaire Fanning, RJA’s CEO. “We provide customized, full-service representation for advertising sales, marketing, accounting and production services.”
To learn more about Meridith May and her publishing efforts, visit http://www.tastingpanelmag.com. For information about Russell Johns Associates and how it helps advertisers and publishers, visit http://www.russelljohns.com or call (800) 237-9851.
ABOUT: For more than 40 years, Russell Johns Associates has supported publishers and advertisers in building working relationships that increase revenue potential and streamline processes. The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal are the newest members of the RJA family.
Heather Harrington, Russell Johns Associates, http://www.russelljohns.com, +1 800-237-9851, [email protected]
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