Change & Opportunity In 2024

Here we are in 2024. It’s been a while since I’ve put pen to paper and boy, have a lot of things taken place since late summer. We don’t need any reminders about the political climate and our safety as citizens in this country.

In the past few months, there have been some changes in the publishing industry, a couple of which have affected the outdoor industry. Athlon Outdoors was purchased by Bleecker Media Group, and it was announced the digital properties would be concentrated on while the print editions would cease publication. The Athlon print product always incorporated high-quality photography and page designs. For fans of print, it’s a safe bet they will be disappointed and miss their copies in hand. Hopefully they will continue to follow their favorite titles through the digital servings.

The outdoors seems to have sparked interest from the hospitality industry. Starwood Capital announced it is going to launch a series of hotels under the Field & Stream Lodge Co. brand, which they’ve owned the rights to for some time. The plan is to locate these lodging options in underserved areas near national parks, beaches and mountain and ski towns.

It would be great if this provides increased lodging interest from hunters and fishermen traveling to these areas. Maybe Starwood can convince Field & Stream media to bring back an in-room coffee table publication for the guests to enjoy. We wish everyone continued success as we need more options in the outdoor and shooting sports, not less.

As we start 2024, FMG has many print and digital media options for you to place advertising messaging, either a listing ad within a send or a solo send through a dedicated email. E-newsletters continue to have strong open rates and click-thrus reaching a very engaged audience. Video shorts, podcasts and robust content on the American Handgunner, GUNS, Shooting Industry and American COP websites all have great options for consideration.

If you’re interested in the most attentive audience of all, however, we have plenty of print editions yet to be published in 2024. Whether your message needs to reach the consumer or you want to update the gun dealers on new products and programs, we have a place for both.

Here’s to 2024! Hope your year is off to a good start, and I look forward to seeing many of you at SHOT Show in just a few weeks. Reach out to me anytime by emailing tom.vorel@fmghq.com.

CLICK HERE for more January 2024 FMG Inside News