Kirkus has bought AudioFile magazine and will begin coverage of audiobooks in Kirkus Reviews, the magazine announced in a news release.
The acquisition of AudioFile is the first initiative by Meg LaBorde Kuehn, who has rejoined Kirkus in an expanded role as publisher, CEO, and partner, six months after leaving the company. Kuehn’s return will see her focusing on strategic long-term growth through acquisitions and technology initiatives.
AudioFile has published more than 60,000 audiobook reviews since it was founded in 1992 by Robin Whitten, the magazine’s longtime editor. Reviews by AudioFile freelancers will now be featured in the pages of Kirkus Reviews as part of a new section edited by audiobooks editor Jennifer Dowell, who previously served as AudioFile’s managing editor. The first section, debuting in the Jan. 1 issue, features audiobook reviews of Brené Brown’s Strong Ground, Philip Pullman’s The Rose Field, and Salman Rushdie’s The Eleventh Hour, among others.
Kirkus will also continue AudioFile’s weekly Behind the Mic podcast, hosted by Jo Reed, where guests discuss favorite new listens as well as trends in the format. The next episode drops on Thursday, Jan. 8.
“In these times of American media companies scaling back coverage of books and literary culture, Kirkus is investing in the future,” Kuehn said in a statement. “Audiobook coverage is the perfect next step in our expansion, and there is no company in the world more tuned in to the audience and its needs than AudioFile.”
Whitten said, “With Kirkus’ acquisition of AudioFile’s review program, the future is bright for audiobook reviews. It’s been my honor to bring a spotlight to audiobooks and narrators for 34 years, and to know that will continue with Kirkus.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
