Zinio Launches The Read Green Initiative(TM), the World's Largest Free Digital Magazine Offering for Consumers

NEW YORK (Map) - NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinio, the global leader in digital and interactive publishing, is proud to launch The Read Green Initiative(TM) to the public today. This program is designed to increase the consumer awareness and use of digital reading alternatives. Many of the world's most prominent magazine publishers, including Bonnier, Hachette Filipacchi and Greenspun Media, have teamed up with Zinio to offer up to 50 million free annual subscriptions to the digital versions of over 200 publications through The Read Green Initiative(TM) website: http://www.GoReadGreen.com. Free magazine subscriptions are limited to one free subscription per person.

The Read Green Initiative(TM) was inspired by a growing number of efforts pioneered by leaders in the publishing industry to improve the environmental performance of magazines. These include increasing the recycling of magazines, improving newsstand efficiency, and using more environmentally friendly paper.

"It is our hope that The Read Green Initiative(TM) will be successful in creating an enjoyable, interactive digital reading experience that can further enhance the environmental successes we've already seen," said Rich Maggiotto, President and CEO of Zinio.com. "Our research has shown that one of the main reasons consumers enjoy reading digital magazines is because they feel like they are doing something good for the environment. The Read Green Initiative(TM) will support and embrace this consumer interest as well as introduce the public to a medium that responds to their needs, without affecting the bottom line."

Publisher participants in The Read Green Initiative(TM) include representatives from many of the largest publishing houses in the nation. A limited number of the publishers' magazines will be available on http://www.GoReadGreen.com at no cost. Visitors can also buy a subscription to these digital titles and more on The Read Green Initiative(TM) site. A portion of the proceeds for all sales made will be redeemed in exchange for eco-unit credits that will contribute to the greening of school and university campuses, through the planting of trees, to commemorate Earth Day 2009. The full suite of Zinio publications will still be available for sale at http://www.Zinio.com.

"As a magazine industry leader, it's incredibly important for us to stay on the crest of change; that means providing our readers with the opportunity to receive our content in new and innovative ways," said Beatrice Hanks, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Black Enterprise. "The industry is undeniably evolving, and the digital medium has opened a massive outlet for Black Enterprise to increase our audience exponentially in a way that is environmentally responsible. This is why we enthusiastically back The Read Green Initiative(TM). Offering our publication in a digital format exposes us to a global audience with a paper-like reading experience, but provides all the eco-friendly advantages of going paperless. For us it's clearly a win-win."

"The Read Green Initiative(TM) is a thrilling new project. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to reach a wider audience. Our publications lead the pack in regional news and features for the Annapolis area, but through Zinio and an outlet like The Read Green Initiative(TM) we can continue to extend our growth potential beyond city limits, even beyond country limits," added Veronica Tovey, publisher of What's Up magazine. "Now if someone in Japan wants to learn about Annapolis, he or she can -- instantly. The implications of an endeavor like this are tremendous."

In addition to the commitment from publishers, The Read Green Initiative(TM) has also received support from a number of Fortune 500 companies and personalities. Supporting companies include Dell, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and PlasticLogic. Notable industry supporters include Jennie Saunders, founder and CEO of CORE: club, and Stan Rapp, founder of the Rapp agency, current Chairman, Engauge, and noted author. Supporter statements from these backers will appear on The Read Green Initiative(TM) website during the duration of the project.

About Zinio LLC

Zinio is the global leader in digital and interactive publishing products and services, currently distributing over 1,000 digital magazine titles currently in its stable. Partnering with American and International publishers, Zinio opens opportunities for revenue growth and wider circulation. Zinio also designs marketing programs that focus on consumer acquisition and retention, cross-promotion, and driving revenue. Zinio is also the founder of The Read Green Initiative(TM) (http://www.GoReadGreen.com).

As a worldwide distributor, Zinio has offices in San Francisco and New York and Distribution partners across the globe. Zinio's partners include Bonnier, Hearst, IDG, Gruner + Jahr, Hachette Filipacchi, IPC Media, Mariah Media, McGraw-Hill, The National Magazine Company, Playboy Enterprises, Rodale, Rogers Publishing and Ziff Davis. Zinio is also the exclusive home of VIVmag, the world's first fully digital and 100% interactive women's luxury publication. For more information, or to purchase any of the digital magazine-specific titles offered by Zinio, please visit http://www.Zinio.com.