Grit: 124 years in the making

First Issue on July 14,1882

Since 1882, Grit has been the little engine that could. Since its inception over 120 years ago this “good news” publication has transformed from a newspaper delivered by paperboys on bicycles to a tabloid size newspaper to its latest embodiment as a perfect-bound glossy.

Grit targets “Americans exploring new ways of living in the country as a lifestyle choice.” This is a completely different demographic than is targeted by farming or agricultural magazines. Grit’s audience may live in the country but the majority of their income does not come from farming or agriculture. Grit deals with the country lifestyle aspect of rural living.

Grit As a Tabloid

“Americans are choosing to reside in the country as a lifestyle choice rather than [as] a means of income,” said Bryan Welch, publisher of Ogden Publications, Inc., the parent company of Grit. “This creates a great opportunity to reposition Grit, and its valuable brand, to speak directly to this growing audience and attract new readers.”

But this is where a problem may arise. Since 1882, Grit has been branding itself as a “good news” publication and can be compared to other publications such as The Saturday Evening Post. With a reputation and history that heavily appeals to nostalgia, is a re-launch in a new platform worth the risk?

Grit's Current Issue September/October 2006

I would have to claim to be a fool or God to answer such questions, but I think it is worth a shot. Afterall, we have talked so much lately about the changing faces of media that it would hypocritical to say something new cannot or should not happen in today’s market. Ogden Publications is nestled in the plains of Kansas and has a wonderful knack at knowing, targeting and addressing their audiences and has been successful in other publications of this nature, so why shouldn’t they make a good run at Grit as well?