Seattle Magazine's New Owner Plans Different Focus

CRAIG BEDNAR, who started Seattle Bride magazine last year, wants his new publication to take an active role in the Seattle lifestyle.

Seattle Magazine has a new owner and a new direction.

Craig Bednar's Tiger Oak Publications of Minneapolis purchased the glossy lifestyle magazine last week from Adams Business Media of Cathedral City, Calif., for an undisclosed price.

Bednar, who launched Seattle Bride magazine more than a year ago, also publishes Minnesota Bride, Twin Cities Parents, San Francisco Bride and Coffee Journal.

The buyer yesterday said he doesn't know yet who will be Seattle Magazine's editor, though he wants someone with a strong local background.

John Atkins, former editor of Tacoma City Paper, had been named editor of Seattle Magazine earlier this month by the former owners, replacing longtime editor Giselle Smith, who left April 1. But Bednar said yesterday he hasn't determined Atkins' role.

The new owner said the magazine will have a different focus and strategy and a "new aura," as he provides more resources and attention to its editorial content.

"We're going to try and be a solid city magazine, talk about people who live here, what's going on in the city, and taking an active role in it," Bednar said. "All we do are regional consumer magazines."

Bednar said he will be a hands-on publisher and will split his time between Seattle and Minneapolis. The magazine is based at 701 Dexter Ave. N. but Bednar said it may move to larger quarters later this year. It has a staff of 11 and circulation of about 35,000.

Polly Lane's phone number is 206-464-2149.