London *, UK *: Action Sports publisher Action Sports Media (ASM) has announced the launch of Industria: Skateboard Business International. This magazine seeks to be a "unique business to business magazine dedicated to the international skateboard industry, encompassing retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and brands throughout the world." ASM is a publisher of action sports titles including Kingpin, Onboard, Surf Europe *, and 2Freeski.

Calling itself "Skateboarding's answer to the Economist", Industria is to feature "international news, commentary, in depth analysis, and regular product reviews" and seeks to provide a distinctive and "global view of the international business of skateboarding."

To be published in English *, German *, and French *, the magazine is projected to have a "controlled circulation of 12,000 bi-monthly" and is expected to reach over six thousand retailers in 51 countries. Plans call for the magazine also to appear at "ten international trade shows" and be seen by "a whole slew of media and marketing professionals."

The premiere issue is scheduled to go public in late June of 2004 *, just in time for a planned launch at the ISPO * Trade Fair in Munich, Germany *, and at the subsequent Actions Sports Retailers (ASR) trade show in Biarritz, France *.

Much of the Industria staff has already been selected.

Saba Haider, former editor of American bi-monthly TransWorld Skateboarding Business * magazine, will be the Editor-In-Chief. Originally from Toronto *, Canada *, Haider has also worked as a staff writer for Toronto-based SBC Skateboard, as well as SLAP, Adrenalin, and Source magzines, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University Of Guelph.

Jérome Kumolka is to be the french editor. Holding a Masters degree in International Commerce and Marketing from the Mercure Academy, he is also a writer, editor, and photographer, and longtime Editor-In-Chief for the French magazines Ride On, Sugar and Freestyler. Kumolka also headed up the "Hawk Skate Course Program," a pan-European * program installing kid-size street courses in existing skateparks *, following the path of the Tony Hawk Foundation * (THF) in the USA *, and worked on organising a technological exposition about skateboard trucks * at the French National Center of Research and Museum.

Writer, photographer, and events coordinator David Luther is to be the German editor. Luther has reportedly been working with Germany's Monster skateboard magazine * since 1993 *, as an editor for the past four, and he has also been a host and announcer for the German Skateboarding Championship Series/ Etnies * European Open Series, and TV Host for YOZ and Stoke (Eurosport/DSF). From a long history of hosting events in the country, Luther is said to have become a familiar voice and face of German skateboarding. He also did the official translation of Tony Hawk *'s biography Occupation: Skateboarder, into German, as well as the book Between Boardslides and Burnout, and The German subtitles for 8 Mile (2002), Universal Pictures film featuring Eminem *.

Nik Taylor is slated to be Art Editor. Nik was formerly art director of the British * monthly skateboard magazine Sidewalk and prior to that graphic designer at London skate shop Slam City Skates. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Norwich School of Art and Design.

Apparently regular contributors to the magazine will also include:

Asian Correspondent Hu Hao. Based in Shanghai, China *, Hao is said to have several years of experience in the outdoor sports industry, an in depth knowledge of the regions manufacturers and retailers, and a key role in working with ISPO to organize their China ISPO for 2005 *. He also works to keep "at the forefront of observing and analysing the rapid growth of skateboarding in Asia *."

Morgan Campbell is to be the Australia * and New Zealand * Correspondent. Based in Melbourne, Australia *, Campbell reportedly has a long history in the world of Australian * skateboarding - from years of experiencing writing and reporting for skate mags all over the world, to being pro on Montreal *-based Premium Wood * skateboards, and is reported to have a deep understanding "of the global industry and culture of skateboarding."

Alberto Polo and Martin Garber, are to be the Spain * and Portugal * Correspondents. Based in Barcelona *, Spain, both Polo and Garber are reportedly skateboarders actively involved in Spain's skate scene. Polo is a writer and photographer for Kingpin Skateboarding Europa, and has been called "deep in the mix of Spanish * skateboarding". Garber is a writer, translator, and an architect.

Based in London, Chris Thomas is to act as Staff Reporter. Chris is the former UK correspondent for TransWorld Skateboarding Business * magazine. Thomas has also been working for BBC * since 1997 *. Email him at: chas@industriamag.com

Habitat and I Path pro Tim O'Connor is to play the role of the international wise-guy columnist, providing opinions on what makes the business of skateboarding go round.

Also included in each issue will be a page with a 'print forum' to SkateboardSucks.com, in which the three editors behind the website will provide Industria with updates on on their site. This is slated to become the exclusive forum for Skateboarding Sucks in print.

Publisher Action Sports Media says it seeks to "bring together the best editors, photographers, producers, contributors and artists from across the World to publish a range of sports lifestyle magazines." with a "pan-European communications model also ensures that all editions are consistent through the countries of their publication." ASM seeks to offer "the most recognised individual single media brand in a particular sport across Europe."

ASM currently publishes 20 local language publications, distributed in over 74 countries worldwide, under the Industria, Kingpin, Onboard, '2', and SurfEurope brand.

The magazine can be contacted at Industria: Skateboard Business International, 131-151 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 5BB, United Kingdom *, Tel: 0044 (0) 207 886 0680, Fax: 0044 (0) 207 886 0690

This article was based on information provided by ASM.

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