NEW YORK, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- David J. Pecker, Chairman, President and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI), today announced the promotion of Richard Spencer as Editorial Director of the Celebrity Magazine Group, which includes Star, OK! and Reality Weekly.  In his new role, Spencer will expand the reach of AMI's landmark celebrity titles while maintaining the brand tradition the reader gravitates to.

Most recently, Spencer served as Editor-in-Chief of the U.S. edition of OK! Magazine, a role he's held since October 2010, and Editor-in-Chief and creator of Reality Weekly.  Also in his celebrity news magazine tenure, Spencer created, launched and was Editor-in-Chief of In Touch Weekly.

The appointment of Spencer to this newly created position, which reports to Pecker, results in changes at all of the magazines within the AMI Celebrity Magazine Group.

James Heidenry, former Editor of Maxim and current Editor-in-Chief of Manhattan, an upscale magazine dedicated to culture, fashion, food and New York society, has been named Editor-in-Chief of Star Magazine.  With over 15 years experience in magazines and digital media, Heidenry is well-practiced in crafting editorial that emphasizes service, voice, packaging and reader-driven content.

Ryan Pienciak has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief of OK! Magazine and Reality Weekly where he had been Executive Editor. Pienciak is well-versed in the celebrity market after spending the last 10 years breaking news and developing stories at weekly magazines including Us Weekly and People.  Succeeding Pienciak as Executive Editor is Leah Ginsberg.

Tim Plant, West Coast Bureau Chief at Star, has been promoted to its Executive Editor/News Director.  Plant is an asset to Star, managing the West Coast office, conceptualizing magazine cover stories and developing content.

"Richard Spencer's celebrity mastermind continues to evolve with his newly appointed position at AMI," said David J. Pecker, AMI's Chairman, President and CEO. "An ideas-man and innovator, this is the ultimate role for Richard as he has successfully been at the helm of many celebrity magazines. Richard is a celebrity news authority and will be critical in overseeing and further developing our celebrity branded magazines."

"Overseeing Star, OK! and Reality Weekly is an ideal role for me," said Richard Spencer. "I look forward to continue working with the talented editors to solidify AMI as the leading celebrity content provider in print and online.  We have a lot of exciting changes in store."

These changes come as AMI embarks on rapid expansion in its print and online operations. Earlier this week, David Perel was promoted to the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Digital Content, responsible for overseeing the building of the digital presence of AMI's brands. Perel continues as EVP/Managing Editor of RadarOnline.com. James Heidenry succeeds Perel as Editor-in-Chief of Star.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and health and fitness media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include Star, OK!, National Enquirer, Globe, Soap Opera Digest, Shape, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health. AMI also manages 18 different digital sites including RadarOnline.com, OKmagazine.com, Shape.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and FitPregnancy.com. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of almost 7 million and reach more than 55 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach an average of 10 million unique visitors and 80 million page views monthly.

SOURCE American Media, Inc.