New York, NY (April 2009) — Preparing for its launch, AFAR magazine published by AFAR Media, has applied for membership in the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC). Established in 2009, San Francisco-based AFAR targets the fast-growing but untapped segment of “experiential” travelers. It appeals to an emerging audience of cultural explorers, who seek to connect with people and places more deeply than the average tourist. AFAR will debut on newsstands in August with an initial frequency of six times a year.

“Our application for membership in the Audit Bureau of Circulations demonstrates our commitment to validating AFAR’s circulation for our advertisers and underscores the authenticity of our audience,” said John Sheehy, President and Publisher of AFAR.

Michael J. Lavery, ABC’s president and managing director, said, “Today’s media marketplace is more competitive than ever before.  In addition, advertisers are demanding increased accountability from the media they use.  Publishers need every marketing edge to meet these challenges.  We are pleased AFAR Media recognizes that ABC will assist in achieving the objectives of both publishers and advertisers.  We welcome their application for membership.”

With nearly 4,000 members, ABC is in its 94th year as the first and largest circulation-auditing organization in the world, maintaining the world’s foremost electronic database of audited-circulation information and a growing array of verified readership, subscribership and online activity data.  ABC offers reports and services in a variety of print and electronic formats, including CD-ROM and the World Wide Web (www.accessabc.com).  In addition to print, ABC’s subsidiary, the Audit Bureau of Verification Services, Inc., audits interactive media, new media and demographic data.

About AFAR Media:
AFAR and its companion website afar.com are published by AFAR Media, headquartered in San Francisco, California.  The company will have an office in New York, with sales representatives based in major advertising markets in the country and worldwide.

Contact:
Diane Stefani, Diane@rosengrouppr.com
212.255.8455