Billboard Reimagines Brand With Relaunch

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Billboard announced today it has relaunched its iconic magazine and digital properties with bold new designs, exclusive content, dynamic charts and multi-screen synchronization to solidify its spot as the most important destination in music media. With unparalleled authority and access to music's biggest names, Billboard will continue to lead and inform the essential conversation about the best in music for both the industry and its fans, while empowering and engaging the music world through its new, robust content offerings across multiple platforms.

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"Billboard has been the authority on music since literally before there was an established business," says Billboard Editorial Director, Bill Werde. "It should be no surprise that the new Billboard connects bands, fans, brands and other parts of the dynamic music world in ways no one else can. Through new platforms and products, Billboard now offers the music industry deeper content on the trends, technologies and ideas that will help shape their business decisions, and gives millions of fans greater access to unique, shareable content such as exclusive artist features, event coverage and charts that only Billboard can provide."

Dynamic New Content, Features and Brand Extensions

Billboard's fully revamped glossy magazine launched January 22 with expanded coverage, greater industry analysis and consumer trend reporting, original photography, stunning data-rich graphic charts and new sections that will bring more of the music business personality to every issue. In addition to the magazine, Billboard relaunched its websites this weekend with new features and functionalities, and is launching new platforms and content across a diversity of mediums.

Enhanced Content for Fans on Billboard.com

At the center of it all are Billboard's exclusive charts, the definitive ranking system for hit music around the world. The newly enhanced site will also feature more premium, custom content as well as on-site reporting of festivals, award shows, and other major music events that puts fans at the center of the action. Samsung has partnered with Billboard for this important relaunch to provide music enthusiasts with upgraded functionality including Facebook, Twitter and Google+ integration, and the opportunity to play and share the charts through Spotify, Rdio and MySpace – all furthering the consumer experience.

New iPad® Edition and Revamped Billboard.biz Provide Industry Insiders Greater Access

The newly launched iPad edition of the magazine gives the audience an enriched version of every issue with interactive features such as photo galleries, video content and playable Billboard charts. And, for 24/7 coverage of the music business, industry influencers can also now visit the improved Billboard.biz for the latest breaking news, an insider's view of industry happenings and new functionality from user-generated photo galleries via Instagram to LinkedIn integration that will be available in the coming days.

Global Reach

Additionally, Billboard will expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships, innovative digital/mobile products, increased presence on social media platforms, new events and festival activations, and televised programs such as the highly-rated Billboard Music Awards on ABC – set to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 19.

"It's an exciting time to be at Billboard as we're investing to provide music influencers, passionate fans and brand partners with elevated experiences around the best in music in print, online, mobile, television and at events," says Ross Levinsohn, CEO of Guggenheim Digital Media, the parent company of Billboard. "Billboard has been at the center of the music world for many years, but this new chapter will further cement its position through new content, platforms and programs that are built on the authority and access of this iconic brand."

Exclusive to Billboard:

Music Icon Prince, Pop Sensation Justin Bieber and Country Music Star Tim McGraw

Some of music's biggest names join in the celebration of the new Billboard as world-renowned music legend, Prince, graced the cover of the very first issue of the newly refurbished Billboard magazine with an exclusive interview inside. The international superstar will receive the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, and will perform during the show. In addition, Justin Bieber, who graces this week's cover of the magazine, invited Billboard to come on tour with him in Atlanta to speak with him exclusively about the release of his new album, Believe Acoustic. In this revealing interview, Bieber shares the process of recording his album, and talks frankly about his personal relationships and other details that have dominated the press coverage of this pop sensation.

Major music stars are also engaging with Billboard online. The new Billboard.com kicked off with an exclusive track from award-winning country singer/songwriter, Tim McGraw, and today will feature a bonus track by Justin Bieber titled "Nothing Like Us." These are the first of many exclusive songs and features that will be offered on this fan-focused website in the coming year. 

About Billboard

Billboard is the world's most influential music brand reaching key executives and tastemakers in and around the music business through Billboard magazine, Billboard.biz (http://www.billboard.biz/), Billboard Conferences, Billboard Bulletin, and other targeted newsletters, and millions of music fans through Billboard.com (http://www.billboard.com/) and Billboard Events. The Billboard brand is built on its exclusive charts and unrivaled reporting on the latest news, issues and trends across all genres of music. Billboard charts and content are consumed and referenced by millions of people in more than 100 countries through a content syndication deal with a global news network, and strategic relationships with other major companies around the world. In addition to North America, Billboard operates businesses in Brazil, Japan, Korea and Russia.

Billboard is owned by Prometheus Global Media, which resides under the newly formed Guggenheim Digital Media, a diversified company with leading assets in the media and entertainment arenas, including: Music (Billboard and its related conferences, events, and awards shows such as The Billboard Music Awards on ABC, and The Billboard Latin Music Awards on Telemundo), Entertainment (The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, ShowEast, CineAsia, and CineEurope); and Advertising & Marketing (Adweek, Adweek Conferences and The CLIO Awards).

SOURCE Billboard