New Mexico Business Weekly

Beginning in late June, a new monthly tabloid newspaper aimed at locations along the historic Route 66 will start publication.

Route 66 Pulse will launch with a printing of 25,000 copies, featuring news and features about the highway that was once a major transcontinental link between Illinois and California. The new paper's general manager, Jim Conkle of Pinon Hills, Calif., says its debut will coincide with the Albuquerque Festival, a three-day event planned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Route 66. Route 66 now generally follows Interstate 40's footprint, although in places like Albuquerque, Central Avenue is the original Route 66.

"We will start out monthly but eventually, it will be bi-monthly," says Conkle. "It will be the USA Today of Route 66."

Conkle, who also serves as the executive director the Route 66 Preservation Foundation, says the paper will be distributed free and will "survive on advertising."

The publisher and distributor of the new paper is the Albany, New York-based Mercury Media Group, which publishes similar corridor-oriented papers in New York state and also owns three commercial printing companies.

Conkle says the Route 66 festival scheduled in Albuquerque June 22-25 will include a four-day "summit" of Route 66-promoting state associations, business owners and others "who have a vested interest" in the old highway. A classic and antique car show and crafts exhibits are part of the event, headquartered at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.

Route 66 Pulse "is destined to be a 'must have' for all vacationers and travelers along this wonderful road that is filled with both character and historic events," according to a release from the publishers. "Each issue ... will carry photographs and stories, interviews and special events to see and do along this historic road."

Conkle says the newspaper will primarily be distributed at hotels and motels along the route and also will be available at newsstands.

Top