Discovery seeks new publisher following Reader's Digest split

Both companies have confirmed that the December 2010 issue of Discovery Channel Magazine in Asia will be the last published by Reader's Digest Asia.

The partnership was struck in early 2008 with the magazine's first issue launching on 21 February of that year. The publication's print run was subsequently increased to meet strong demand.

Nick Bonard, London-based senior vice president, Discovery Enterprises International confirmed that DEI (Discovery Communication's licensing arm) and RDA have just concluded an agreement to end their partnership related to the Discovery Channel Magazine in Asia-Pacific.

"We are currently in discussions with several other interested publishing parties to continue making this popular award-winning publication available in Asia-Pacific into the new year. We will be making an announcement about our new endeavor once we come to a final decision," said Bonard.

Christopher Axberg, managing director, Reader’s Digest Asia explained that the company remains extremely focused on its strategy of continuing to deliver its flagship title, growing its custom publishing solutions and building its presence as a leader in digital performance marketing across Asia. 

"Very soon we will be announcing more strategic partnerships and initiatives focused on bringing value to our readers and our marketing customers in the near future,” said Axberg.

There have been some changes to the Reader's Digest Asia senior management team since Discovery Channel Magazine's launch in the region, including the departure of editor-in-chief Jim Plouffe, regional managing director Rosemarie Wallace and group advertising director Simon Cholmelely.

Wallace and Cholmelely have since partnered to form custom publishing house Novus Media Solutions.