NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 1, 2012) - Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation, today launched the "Car and Driver Channel," a new original programming channel on YouTube featuring reality programming, an instructional series for the DIY mechanic, a first-hand look at the latest cars and industry news, and more. A collaboration among Hearst's automotive-focused brands Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics and Road & Track, the YouTube channel initiative enables Hearst to harness the unique voices of its Men's Enthusiast Group through a multi-brand channel and innovative programming.
"The Car and Driver Channel allows us to bring our automotive brands to life in a new way in a new medium, working with one of the most sought-after production companies in the business, as well as with our own award-winning internal production division," said James Meigs, editorial director of Hearst's Men's Enthusiast Group. "It's an exciting extension of our editorial content and, within the YouTube platform, an incredible opportunity to engage with a new community of fans."
The shows featured on the Car and Driver Channel are produced by a combination of Hearst's in-house digital video team and Lion TV, the production company behind "Cash Cab," "History Detectives," and others. Six shows will debut with the channel's launch on May 1st, followed by additional Car and Driver-branded shows launching later in the year.
In its pre-launch phase, the Car and Driver Channel racked up more than 70,000 subscribers. The channel will feature the following shows:
- Battle of the Beaters - Two teams of experts have $1000 each and 72 hours to search for a suitable vehicle to soup up for the most spectacular road race to hit the Internet. Competitions range from rally racing to demolition derbies to tests of pure, pointless endurance. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Tuesday)
- Driver Rehab - Host Nick Stevens ambushes the worst drivers in America and sends them to rehab: The crash-prone are paired with professional driving instructors who will help transform them into world class -- or maybe just decent -- drivers. Each driver is subjected to an advanced driving test and, ultimately, will either pass or fail. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Wednesday)
- The Full Hoon - Comedians Sherrod Small and Jim Florentine highlight the week's biggest car news and most popular viral videos, competing against each other in each episode to see who has the best videos. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Monday)
- Popular Mechanics Saturday Mechanic - The fix-it-yourself community's first and last resort, this show provides step-by-step car repair and troubleshooting tips. Viewers write in with their questions for host Ben Wojdyla (PM's associate automotive editor) and may be featured on the show if their questions are chosen. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Saturday)
- Car and Driver Tested - Hosted by the editors of Car and Driver magazine, this is a first-hand look at comparisons, new cars, auto shows, and more. Our experts may face off to defend their favorite machines, drive the latest makes and models, and check out the latest in-vehicle technology like massage seats and night vision systems. Viewers will also have the opportunity to write in and extend the conversation. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Thursday)
- Road & Track Presents - Here's an inside look into the automotive world from the latest high performance sports cars hitting the road, to race cars, exotics, concept cars and more. Hosted by the editors of Road & Track, the show will also welcome special guests from the world of racing and input from viewers. (8- to 10-minute videos; new episodes air every Friday)
To experience the Car and Driver Channel, and to subscribe to the programming, click here. You can also view the trailer here.
The Car and Driver Channel is the second YouTube channel Hearst Magazines has launched. On April 15, Hello Style, a fashion- and beauty-focused channel, officially launched with four new shows and archival content previously unavailable on YouTube. Hello Style is a collaboration of several Hearst brands, including Cosmopolitan, Harper's BAZAAR, Marie Claire, RealBeauty.com, and Seventeen.
About Car and Driver
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com) is known for its expert editorial team consisting of credible journalists who are highly regarded by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers for their integrity and high standards. The magazine is published monthly by Hearst Magazines (www.hearst.com), boasting the largest audience of any monthly automotive magazine. The Car and Driver brand is a leading source of information for automotive enthusiasts and in-market car buyers. The brand also extends to many platforms, including websites, mobile sites, radio, iPhone/iPad apps, events, custom marketing programs, and integrated marketing databases. Follow Car and Driver on Twitter at @CARandDRIVER.
About Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics empowers readers to navigate the increasingly complex, technological world around us. The magazine, published monthly by Hearst Magazines, inspires, instructs and influences nine million curious readers. Their mindset -- the hunger to know, the desire to investigate and learn -- drives them to explore, experiment and experience a wide range of interests. Issues engage readers with breakthroughs in the latest innovations in science and technology; educates with informative "how-to" stories on automotive, the home and digital technology; and motivates action with product reviews and comparison tests of the newest equipment and products. Popular Mechanics is also the #1-ranked men's monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience. The brand is a 21st-century must-read, with a robust Web site (popularmechanics.com) and an award-winning tablet edition. Follow Popular Mechanics on Twitter at @PopMech.
About Road & Track
Road & Track (http://www.RoadandTrack.com), published by Hearst Magazines, is the longest-running and most trusted automotive magazine brand in the United States. The content that is provided by Road & Track across a variety of platforms is intended for the passionate automotive enthusiast and contains information about cars and driving blended with wide-ranging feature stories, entertainment and racing coverage. Road & Track's road tests and comparison tests are the most complete and technically accurate in the industry, focusing primarily on domestic and imported sports cars and sports sedans that are a cut above the ordinary in performance, handling, engineering and efficiency -- cars that are above all, fun to drive. Follow Road & Track on Twitter at @RoadandTrack.
About YouTube
YouTube is the world's largest online video community, allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share original videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original-content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based in San Bruno, CA, and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.
