Magazine aimed at local elites launches today

Columbia’s elite will now have some provocative reading material aimed toward them, thanks to local media creator Fred Parry.

Parry’s latest magazine, Inside Columbia, his 12th publication in the city, is geared to homes with an average income of more than $125,000. The magazine will focus on homes, business and leisure in Columbia.

“I have been following publishing trends for the last 20 years; city magazines are the fastest-growing trend in the industry,” Parry said. “Columbia has really gotten to the size where it can support a city magazine.”

The magazine’s content and design differ from that of a conventional magazine. Inside Columbia is designed to be a quick read. According to Parry, the average story will be approximately 75 words.

Although its readers will ultimately determine the magazine’s success, Inside Columbia has received a positive response from local advertisers. Eighty-five businesses bought advertising in the magazine’s first issue.

“Advertising is what really drives the commercial success of a publication and we have had a lot of enthusiasm of advertisers,” Parry said. “Hopefully the response from our readers will be as enthusiastic.”

Mary Wilkerson, the vice president of marketing for Boone County National Bank, was the first person to buy advertising space in the magazine.

“I think that Fred is a professional, not just some upstart from the middle of nowhere,” Wilkerson said. “He has a track record of success and I am confident that will continue.”

Former MU basketball coach Norm Stewart will be the first person to grace the cover of Inside Columbia. Starting today, 15,000 copies of the magazine will be available in 70 locations in mid-Missouri.