Kirkus has acquired AudioFile magazine and will start covering audiobooks in Kirkus Reviews, the magazine announced. With the purchase, Kirkus has created a new audiobooks section in Kirkus Reviews, which will be edited by audiobook editor Jennifer Dowell, who previously served as AudioFile’s managing editor. Kirkus will also continue AudioFile’s weekly Behind the Mic podcast.
The purchase, according to a release, is the “first initiative by Meg LaBorde Kuehn, who has rejoined Kirkus in an expanded role as publisher, CEO, and partner" after departing the company last June. Her mandate, the announcement said, is to focus "on strategic long-term growth through acquisitions and technology initiatives."
Since it was founded in 1992 by Robin Whitten, AudioFile has published more than 60,000 audiobook reviews.
