Folio (magazine)

Folio (magazine)
source
Title	Folio
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Trade magazine
Company	Access Intelligence
Founded	0 1972
Country	United States
Based	Stamford, Connecticut
Language	English language
Website	https://www.foliomag.com/

Folio (magazine). A leading trade magazine serving the magazine publishing industry in North America, *Folio* provides news, analysis, and commentary on the business of media. Founded in 1972, it has become an essential resource for professionals involved in print media, digital media, circulation, advertising, and media management. The publication is known for its coverage of industry trends, awards programs, and events that shape the periodical publishing landscape.

History and founding

*Folio* was established in 1972 by Joe Hanson, who served as its publisher for many years, during a period of significant growth and consolidation within the American magazine industry. The publication was initially created to address the professional needs of magazine editors, publishers, and corporate management executives navigating the complexities of periodical distribution and revenue models. In 2007, the magazine and its associated assets, including the Folio Awards and the Folio: Show conference, were acquired by Red 7 Media, a company specializing in B2B media. Subsequently, in 2010, the property was purchased by its current owner, Access Intelligence, a business information company based in Rockville, Maryland. Throughout its history, *Folio* has chronicled major industry shifts, from the rise of desktop publishing to the digital revolution and the challenges of media convergence.

Content and editorial focus

The magazine's editorial mission centers on providing actionable intelligence for media professionals. Its content regularly features in-depth reporting on media strategy, audience development, revenue diversification, and content marketing. Key sections often analyze innovations in digital editions, subscription models, social media strategy, and data analytics for publishers. *Folio* frequently publishes profiles of leading industry figures from companies like Condé Nast, Hearst Communications, and Meredith Corporation, alongside case studies of successful magazine launches and brand extensions. The publication also offers practical guidance on print production, paper stock, postal regulations, and vendor management, making it a comprehensive tool for operations management within the publishing sector.

Circulation and readership

*Folio* operates primarily as a controlled-circulation business magazine, distributed to qualified executives and decision-makers within the magazine publishing and media industry. Its core readership includes chief executive officers, chief revenue officers, editors-in-chief, circulation directors, and marketing directors at consumer, business-to-business, and association magazines across the United States and Canada. The publication reaches its audience through a combination of print editions, digital editions, a dedicated website, and a daily email newsletter that provides breaking industry news. This multi-platform approach ensures its coverage of events like the American Magazine Media Conference and the Digital Content Next summit reaches a broad spectrum of media executives.

Industry recognition and awards

*Folio* itself is a prominent arbiter of industry excellence through its administration of the prestigious Folio Awards program, also known as the Eddie & Ozzie Awards. These awards honor outstanding achievement in magazine editorial content (the Eddie Awards) and magazine design (the Ozzie Awards) across both print and digital platforms. The competition attracts entries from major publishing houses like Time Inc., Bonnier Corporation, and Rodale Inc., as well as independent titles. Beyond hosting awards, *Folio*'s reporting and its editors are often cited in broader media criticism and journalism review publications for their authoritative insights on publishing trends. The magazine's own contributors and its annual Folio: 100 list, which highlights influential industry innovators, are considered significant markers of professional standing within the media business.

Business model and operations

As a B2B media brand, *Folio* generates revenue through a diversified model common to trade publications. This includes display advertising and sponsored content from suppliers serving the publishing industry, such as paper manufacturers, printing companies, software vendors, and consulting firms. A significant revenue stream derives from hosting industry events, most notably the Folio: Show series of conferences and workshops held in cities like New York City and Chicago. The company also monetizes its audience through premium subscriptions for enhanced digital content, webinars, and white papers. Operated under the Access Intelligence umbrella, *Folio* benefits from shared resources with other professional brands like Media Industry Newsletter and Cynopsis, while maintaining dedicated editorial and sales teams focused on the publishing sector.