RADIO ONE, INC. ACQUIRES THE ASSETS OF GIANT MAGAZINE, LLC.
1/3/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott R. Royster, EVP and CFO
(301) 429-2642
WASHINGTON, DC: Radio One, Inc. ("Radio One" or the "Company")
(NASDAQ: ROIAK and ROIA) today announced the acquisition of certain assets, and
the assumption of certain liabilities, of Giant Magazine, LLC. ("Giant"),
publisher of GIANT magazine, for approximately $270,000. Current GIANT Editor-In-Chief,
Smokey Fontaine, has been named Giant CEO with an ownership stake in the magazine,
while retaining day-to-day editorial oversight.
GIANT is a lifestyle and entertainment magazine which has grown in popularity
since its recent reintroduction by Mr. Fontaine, as an urban-themed periodical.
After being named Editor-In-Chief in March 2006, Mr. Fontaine catapulted the
publication into the national spotlight with a glossy redesign and A-list cover
subjects such as Beyonce, Janet Jackson and Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Radio One intends to preserve GIANT's editorial content while enhancing its
advertising sales, promotion and distribution functions. The publication and
staff will continue to be based in New York City while certain back-office
functions will be consolidated into Radio One's corporate offices. Furthermore,
it is expected that GIANT's online presence will be expanded and eventually
integrated into Radio One's comprehensive online strategy.
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Fontaine stated, "I'm thrilled
to see GIANT become part of the Radio One family of urban media assets. I have
a strong vision for this magazine as it is similar to Radio One's overall
goal of speaking directly and intelligently to a sophisticated new urban audience.
With the passion, support and infrastructure Radio One provides, I am optimistic
GIANT is now in a position to reach new heights."
Commenting on the acquisition, Alfred C. Liggins, III, Radio One's CEO and
President stated, "This is a good strategic deal for us. For a limited
amount of capital, we have now established a presence in the print media world
and should be able to leverage our other media assets in various ways to increase
the likelihood of success in what is unquestionably a challenging, but important,
business. Furthermore, I am excited to have yet another relevant platform to
help us build what we believe can become a significant online business, in
the not too distant future."
Radio One, Inc. (www.radio-one.com) is the nation's seventh largest radio
broadcasting company (based on 2005 net broadcast revenue) and the largest
radio broadcasting company that primarily targets African-American and urban
listeners. Radio One owns and/or operates 70 radio stations located in 22 urban
markets in the United States and reaches approximately 14 million listeners
every week. Additionally, Radio One owns interests in TV One, LLC (www.tvoneonline.com),
a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans and Reach
Media, Inc. (www.blackamericaweb.com), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show
and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner. Radio One also operates the
only nationwide African-American news/talk network on free radio and programs "XM
169 The POWER," an African-American news/talk channel, on XM Satellite
Radio.