End of an era? National Masters News up for sale
This just in! “Page 3 of the September 2006 NMN has a small ad in the top left corner titled, National Masters News Seeks Buyer. It states in the second of two paragraphs, “Individuals or groups seriously interested in purchasing the National Masters News can contact us at P.O. Box 50098, Eugene, Or 97405, or be e-mail at natmanews@aol.com Signed by Suzy Hess, Jerry Wojcik, Angela Egremont and Al Sheahen.” Founded in 1977, an outgrowth of Bob Fine’s quarterly newsletter for the Masters Sports Association, National Masters News may not live to see its 30th anniversary, I fear. Despite my knocks over the years, I genuinely like and admire NMN’s staff and consider the publication a crucial element of our community.
A friend who has seen the September issue of NMN writes:
“Maybe a group needs to step forward made up of truly dedicated Masters Track and Field people who have the funds and background in news and are willing to start a company or non-profit to make sure that the content of NMN continues to be delivered for infinity to our track community. I still have at home almost every edition of NMN and many of the prior editions of the predecessor publication which I believe was generated by David Pain and his associates. I need my monthly fix in print and my daily emails from you and others.”
Me again:
I’ve written to Publisher Suzy and Editor Jerry, asking for details on the sale and about their assets and liabilities. I promised I would help them in spreading the word. However, I don’t have the means (or the time) to buy NMN myself.
This isn’t the first time NMN has been up for sale. Between 1995 and 2002, NMN was owned by Rodale Press, publisher of Runner’s World and a stable of other sports and health magazines. Suzy bought the book in 2002.
In Len Olson’s “Masters Track and Field: A History,” a chapter is devoted to National Masters News. In it, longtime publisher and editor Sheahen is quoted on the sale of NMN to Rodale.
Al said: “Most publications rely on advertising for more than 50 percent of their revenues, but advertising has traditionally accounted for only 14 percent of NMN’s revenues, despite the fact that NMN advertisers get excellent response.”
In 1995, Al also wrote with relief about the future of NMN, saying: “The other problem of what happens to NMN if anything happens to me is now, in effect, solved. We have a strong crew in place in Eugene with Jerry, Suzy and Jane. We have financial, advertising and circulation expertise in place in Emmaus, PA with the RW staff. The publication now seems assured of continued existence, no matter what.”
Sadly, “no matter what” has intervened.
I hope to learn more about the situation. Stay tuned.
5 Responses
This is one of those times I wish I had some lottery money lying around.
I’m a journalist and editor and subscribed to NMN briefly; I found it so, well.. boring, that I stopped. As a paper of record it had its place, but if it could not draw enough subscribers to keep it going then I am not surpised. I can’t understand why Masters athletics doesn’t have a hugely successful magazine to serve the community. Maybe GeezerJock is showing the way?
I’d love to be involved in a relaunch.
I’m sorry to hear it and appreciate the efforts over the years. Best wishes to all involved. Bubba
I myself NEVER found NMN “boring…but then again im a bit of a radical who also beleives in STANDARDS for awards… and that athletes should EARN medals and awards by EFFORT not just by “showing up”….NMN was my introduction to Masters track….they have given me a lot of pleasure and motivation actually. I guess the perfect ones within our ranks can list the “faults”….i for one LOVE the publication and feel a debt of gratitude to ALL the people who make it happen….thank you for years of pleasure….
NMN would be a more attractive commercial proposition if it weren’t so focused on USA news.
Rather than try to keep a narrowly-focused print publication alive on life support, perhaps the effort should be devoted to making this (or another) veterans internet forum more international and multilingual.
Quick Silver
Hong Kong
I’ve always enjoyed NMN, looking at meet results and schedule of up coming meets alone makes it worthwhile, hey Francis, I agree with you 100%.
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