Following the acquisition in May, Future strengthened its position as a leading publisher of music playing magazines. With a portfolio that already consists of Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, Rhythm, Future Music, Computer Music and MusicRadar.com, the deal sees Future take ownership of Acoustic Magazine, Bass Guitar Magazine, iDrum and Drummer as well as The London Acoustic Show, The London Bass Guitar Show and The London Drum Show events.
Daniel Griffiths, Editor-in-Chief of Future’s Music magazines, will expand his remit and will now oversee the enlarged music portfolio.
iDrum, the interactive digital magazine, will receive increased investment as it moves to a free publishing model (currently priced at £1.99). However, the decision has been made to cease the publication of Drummer magazine.
The new music events will now be managed by Future’s events division that already produces, amongst others The Photography Show, Generate Conferences, The Golden Joystick Awards and the PC Gamer Weekender.
Joe McEvoy, Managing Director, Magazine Division at Future says, “We welcome the teams from Blaze and look forward to working with them to develop their brands and introduce them to new audiences as part of the most exciting music portfolio in the world.”
Clare Dove, Commercial Sales Director, at Future, says, “The introduction of these hugely respected and established brands to our market leading portfolio, allows us to offer even greater opportunities and reach to our clients.
“The events in particular are an exciting new addition and have an exciting and natural cohesion with all of our brands.”
