News Release

Contact:
Brandy Ernzen 785.274.4304 dir / bernzen@ogdenpubs.com
Ty Fowler 785.274.4387 dir / tfowler@ogdenpubs.com

Ogden Publications relaunches The Herb Companion
Herbs for Health merges with magazine, creating powerful one-stop-shop for cooking, gardening, health and lifestyle

TOPEKA, Kan.(May 14, 2008) – Call it a natural partnership – a blossoming venture, if you will.

Ogden Publications has combined its two well-respected titles, The Herb Companion and Herbs for Health. This merger creates the only one-stop-shop consumer publication devoted exclusively to every aspect of herbs – including growing, cooking and healing. 

“Consumers today are looking for inexpensive, quick solutions to their questions about cooking the most flavorful, aromatic food; landscaping and container gardening for every budget; and therapeutic alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. For all these dilemmas, The Herb Companion offers a single, authoritative resource – an easy upgrade for the best possible life,” says Bryan Welch, publisher and editorial director.

Reader surveys conducted by Ogden found the purchasing habits, interests and demographics for these two magazines virtually even. In fact, 28 percent subscribed to both publications. The findings led to a solution that both protects readers’ interests and provides efficiencies for advertisers.

“Advertisers now have one cost-effective vehicle to reach these highly engaged consumers,” continues Welch.

Beginning with the June/July issue (on sale May 27), The Herb Companion adds natural health content to its current herbal cooking, gardening and body-care lineup. Herbs for Health topics now account for approximately one-third of The Herb Companion’s editorial coverage. The added material means larger issues for readers – another bonus.

Herbs for Health subscribers will receive The Herb Companion for the remainder of their paid terms. As always, nonsubscribers can still find The Herb Companion on newsstands nationwide.

The relaunch also brings a fresh new look for the printed magazine and a revamped Web site, www.HerbCompanion.com, which includes additional recipes, blogs, tips and information.

The Herbs for Health brand remains active with targeted product lines for sale. These products include branded e-books on timely natural health topics, mail-order plants, boutique blends of dried herbs for cooking and more, and are available at www.HerbsForHealth.com.

About The Herb Companion

Since 1988, The Herb Companion (www.HerbCompanion.com) has been the authority for gardening, cooking and healing with these versatile, healthful plants. Each issue features garden plans and advice, unique recipes, health and wellness information, in-depth information on individual herbs and more.

About Ogden Publications Inc.

Ogden Publications Inc. (www.OgdenPubs.com), based in Topeka, Kan., is the leading information resource serving the sustainable living, rural lifestyle, farm memorabilia and classic motorcycle communities. Key brands include Mother Earth News, Natural Home, Utne Reader, Capper’s and Grit. Ogden Publications also provides insurance and financial services through its Capper’s Insurance Service division.

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Key Points:

·        The Herb Companion and Herbs for Health combine to create new The Herb Companion
·        First issue: June/July, on sale 5/27
·        Paid circulation increases 30 percent to 60,000
·        Continues national newsstand distribution
·        New tagline: “Grow Cook Heal”
·        Relaunch includes vibrant new look, revamped Web site
·        Herbs for Health brand remains active through product development and sales

NOTE: High-resolution images of The Herb Companion June/July 2008 cover available.