PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Perkins
Phone: 785-274-4339
E-mail: lperkins@ogdenpubs.com

TOPEKA, Kansas, (August 14, 2006) – Ogden Publications, Inc., today announced plans to relaunch Grit, one of America’s original rural lifestyle magazines. Grit originally was launched in 1882 and promoted as a magazine of “good news,” which appealed to rural tastes and traditions.

Beginning with the September/October 2006 issue, Grit will speak to a growing audience of Americans exploring new ways of living in the country as a lifestyle choice. This market segment includes individuals who are typically middle-aged, educated, married and have traditional values. In some cases children are still at home; in others this lifestyle may be the natural progression after the nest empties. Lifestyle farmers generally work full-time away from their homes in addition to working on their farm. They have higher-than-average incomes, with the bulk of their earnings and assets not related to the farm. The USDA reports over 1.6 million farms now fall into this category.

“For decades, Grit was a weekly source of upbeat news and information for small-town America. But over the years developments in media have brought a variety of news sources to communities throughout the country and Grit became increasingly more focused on nostalgia and the history of our culture. In the meantime, Americans are choosing to reside in the country as a lifestyle choice, rather than a means of income. The interest in rural lifestyles has never been greater than today. This creates a great opportunity to reposition Grit, and its valuable brand, to speak directly to this growing audience and attract new readers,” Bryan Welch, publisher of Ogden Publications, Inc, said.

Grit will publish bimonthly, a change from the previous monthly frequency. The format will transform from a tabloid-sized newspaper to an up-to-date, perfect-bound glossy. Grit will hit newsstands for the first time ever on August 29 with a cover price of $3.95, utilizing Time Warner as the national newsstand distributor. Grit will be displayed and sold at general newsstand outlets, bookstores and speciality farm feed and supply stores including Tractor Supply. Total distribution of the premier issue will be 150,000.

“The editorial will remain true to its roots while honoring the joys of contemporary country life,” states K.C. Compton, editor-in-chief. “The 96-page premier issue will include articles on livestock, dirt roads, electric fencing and community-supported agriculture. We’re keeping some of our readers’ favorite features including Looking Back and Recipe Box. And a new department, Voice of Experience, allows our older readers an avenue to share their wisdom and experience with new readers. Grit is now a unique blend of American tradition and contemporary country life.”

Trial subscriptions are available at http://www.grit.com

About Ogden Publications, Inc.
Ogden Publications http://www.ogdenpubs.com publishes Natural Home, Mother Earth News, Utne Reader, Herbs for Health, The Herb Companion, Capper’s, Grit, American Life & Traditions, Farm Collector, Steam Traction, Gas Engine Magazine and Motorcycle Classics. The total paid circulation of Ogden’s magazines is nearly 1 million copies, and the company’s total readership is more than 3 million people. The company also provides insurance and financial services and runs a network of highly successful websites. The magazines and websites reach people interested in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and other special interests.