Post by Tim Wescott on Mar 6, 2004 15:13:48 GMT -5
Pec Ah-nold For Muscle
By PAUL D. COLFORD
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is pumping up his journalism career by becoming executive editor of two muscle magazines.
The former Mr. Olympia will take on the new title at Flex and sister magazine Muscle & Fitness, where he has written his "Ask Arnold" column for years.
Publisher American Media, better known for putting out the National Enquirer and the Star, will give $250,000 a year to California's Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.
That's on top of an undisclosed sum it will continue to pay Schwarzenegger for his editorial work.
Spokesmen for the body-building action star insist that leading two magazines and the state of California won't be too big a power lift for Schwarzenegger, and described the job as an advisory role with minimal responsibility.
"It'll involve a nominal amount of time," said spokesman Rob Stutzman. "He'll have creative and visionary input into the magazines."
"It's a way for him - and us - to reinforce his commitment to physical education," said an American Media rep, Stu Zakim.
Stutzman said Schwarzenegger remains "fully engaged in the problems of the state," but wanted "to continue some relationships" outside of politics.
The position was to be formally announced today at the annual Arnold Fitness Weekend at Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio, which Schwarzenegger is due to attend.
For American Media, it's a chance to keep in close touch with the poster boy of bodybuilding and weightlifting now that he's in politics.
American Media got Flex and Muscle & Fitness when it bought Weider Publications last year for $350 million.
Schwarzenegger served as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 1990 to 1993, and headed California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under his predecessor, Pete Wilson.
By PAUL D. COLFORD
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is pumping up his journalism career by becoming executive editor of two muscle magazines.
The former Mr. Olympia will take on the new title at Flex and sister magazine Muscle & Fitness, where he has written his "Ask Arnold" column for years.
Publisher American Media, better known for putting out the National Enquirer and the Star, will give $250,000 a year to California's Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.
That's on top of an undisclosed sum it will continue to pay Schwarzenegger for his editorial work.
Spokesmen for the body-building action star insist that leading two magazines and the state of California won't be too big a power lift for Schwarzenegger, and described the job as an advisory role with minimal responsibility.
"It'll involve a nominal amount of time," said spokesman Rob Stutzman. "He'll have creative and visionary input into the magazines."
"It's a way for him - and us - to reinforce his commitment to physical education," said an American Media rep, Stu Zakim.
Stutzman said Schwarzenegger remains "fully engaged in the problems of the state," but wanted "to continue some relationships" outside of politics.
The position was to be formally announced today at the annual Arnold Fitness Weekend at Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio, which Schwarzenegger is due to attend.
For American Media, it's a chance to keep in close touch with the poster boy of bodybuilding and weightlifting now that he's in politics.
American Media got Flex and Muscle & Fitness when it bought Weider Publications last year for $350 million.
Schwarzenegger served as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 1990 to 1993, and headed California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under his predecessor, Pete Wilson.