Primedia's Automobile Magazine Names David Forgione Publisher

    NEW YORK--July 3, 2001--Primedia , the world's leading targeted media company, announced today that David Forgione, 46, has been named publisher of its Automobile Magazine. Mr. Forgione comes to Automobile with an extensive background in sales and marketing of both traditional print titles as well as new media oriented vehicles. Primedia is the leading U.S. advertising vehicle in the automotive sector with more than 50 consumer and business-to-business publications and new media properties reaching millions of consumers and businesses.
    In his role as publisher, Mr. Forgione will work to extend the brand's reach among endemic car advertisers and to grow the strong custom publishing business already under way at Automobile. In addition, he will work to extend the magazine's ad base into new consumer categories of business such as men's luxury products and financial services. He will also oversee the restructuring of Primedia's automobile.com and promote effective cross-integration with About.com's automobile-oriented guide sites.
    "Automobile is one the most powerful brands in the business," said Deborah Barrow, president of the Primedia Broad-Reach Magazine Group. "As we look to extend our leadership position in the automotive category and leverage the powerful content within this publication, David will play a vital role. With his years of experience in the media industry and his knowledge and passion for the world of automobiles and auto marketing, we are confident that he will help us grow our top and bottom lines through innovative marketing efforts."
    "Automobile magazine has a heritage as the category's most prestigious and cutting-edge magazine," said Forgione. "I am confident that we can leverage that heritage and combine it with an arsenal of the most effective cross-platform advertising programs to become even more of an indispensable partner to deliver the right readers to the smartest advertisers around."
    Previously Mr. Forgione was instrumental in launching eCompany Now, part of the Fortune Group at AOL Time Warner, and MyWay.com, at CMGI, Inc. An industry veteran, Mr. Forgione also spent ten years with Forbes, Inc., serving in a number of a sales positions including group advertising director which had extensive contact with the automotive industry, and before that heading up their Detroit office. Prior to Forbes, Mr. Forgione worked for five years as financial advertising manager for Fortune magazine.
    Primedia's reach in the automotive sector comes through both consumer and business-to-business publications and new media properties including: 4-Wheel Drive and Sport Utility, American Trucker, Audio Video Interiors, Auto Sound & Security, Bracket Racing USA, Car Auto and Electronics, Classic Trucks, Custom Rodder, Drag Racing USA, European Car, Fire Chief, Fleet Owner, GR8RIDE.COM, High Performance Mopar, High Performance Pontiac, High Tech Performance, Hot Bike, Import Tuner, IntelliChoice, Kit Car Illustrated, Lowrider, Lowrider Euro, Mine and Quarry Trader, Mini Truckin', Modern Bulk Transporter, Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, Mustang Illustrated, Off Road, Popular Hot Rodding, Refrigerated Transporter, Sport Compact Car, Street Rodder, Super Chevy, Today's SUV, Trailer/Body Builder's Truckin', Turbo, Vette Magazine, VW Trends, Ward's Auto World, Ward's Automotive International, Ward's Automotive International Focus on China, Automotive Reports, Automotive Yearbook, Wards' Dealer Business and Ward's Engine and Vehicle Tech Update.

About Automobile Magazine
    Automobile Magazine is edited for the automotive enthusiast interested in the facts as well as the tradition of all things automotive. The magazine's focus ranges from cars as machines to cars as culture, and editorial includes coverage of road trips, destination ideas, and test-drives of different automobiles.

About PRIMEDIA
    PRIMEDIA is the new tradition in media. With 2000 sales of $1.7 billion from a unique combination of traditional and new media properties, it is the leading targeted content and integrated marketing solution in both the consumer and business-to-business sectors. The Company is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S., with more than 230 titles such as Seventeen, New York, Fly Fisherman, American Baby, Telephony, American Demographics; the #1 producer and distributor of specialty video with 18 satellite and digital video product lines, including, Channel One Network; and the #1 news and information group on the Internet, with over 1,000 special interest web sites led by About.com. PRIMEDIA's stock symbol is: NYSE: PRM. More information about the Company can be found at www.primedia.com.

    This release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Primedia's operations, economic performance and financial condition. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, and reflect future business decisions, which are subject to change. Some of these assumptions may not materialize, and unanticipated events will occur which can affect the Company's results.