The Auto Writer

I grew up in a home where Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Popular Mechanics arrived monthly, magazines that were ordered by my father. Just like him I have a deep appreciation for cars, but just as he was I’m not particularly gifted with working on them. Admittedly, I am a sideline enthusiast, kind of like the fan cheering on his favorite football team while admiring the skills of the guys on the gridiron.

While the previously mentioned publications have their place in the mass market of car driven news, I’ve also become familiar with several car blogs including Jalopnik, Left Lane News, The Truth About Cars, Auto Extremist, and Autoblog. The internet has revolutionized the way that we gather and read news; all five online sites and many others have something to offer to the automotive enthusiast.

AutoWeek is another print publication worthy of note and it has, in my opinion, successfully bridged the digital divide by continuing to produce an excellent print publication while developing a dynamic and user friendly web site. Some of the old mainstays have a strong online presence too, but they just don’t seem to have developed communities worth visiting over and over again. AutoWeek has succeeded in this endeavor and that success has paid off as the magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary of service this month.

Unlike every one of its competitors, AutoWeek is as their name implies, a weekly publication. This has long worked to the magazine’s advantage as breaking news and pre-production photographs gets out there faster than their competition, though in this present age of internet news dissemination, anyone can announce that information online instantly. Still, while some print publications seem to be growing increasingly irrelevant, AutoWeek manages to offer two excellent ways for car fans to keep pace with the automotive industry.

“AutoWeek writers and readers share a true passion for automobiles,” said KC Crain, Vice President and Publisher of AutoWeek magazine. “There is a kinship between car enthusiasts developed from years of following all aspects of the industry. We are proud to be the enthusiasts’ weekly source for automotive coverage and excited for what’s to come in the next 50 years.”

So, congratulations to AutoWeek for a job well done. This is one publication I admire and try to emulate when providing news online or via my various print assignments.

(Source: AutoWeek magazine)