PRIMEDIA Lands Angus Mackenzie as New MOTOR TREND Editor in Chief; MacKenzie Joins from Car Magazine, Leading UK Automotive Publication.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2004

PRIMEDIA Inc. (NYSE: PRM) today announced the appointment of one of the top international automotive editors, Angus MacKenzie, as Editor-In-Chief of MOTOR TREND magazine. MOTOR TREND is recognized internationally as one of the world's leading automotive authorities with a circulation of 1.1 million and is part of PRIMEDIA's Consumer Automotive Group. Mr. MacKenzie joins PRIMEDIA from EMAP's Car magazine, the top UK automotive publication. He enjoys a distinguished career as a print and broadcast reporter and editor covering the industry in some of the world's most competitive markets, having also served as Editor for Australia's top selling automotive magazine, Wheels.

Kevin Smith, the current Editor-In-Chief of MOTOR TREND, has been promoted to Editorial Director of PRIMEDIA's Performance Automotive Group. In this role, Mr. Smith will oversee the editorial design and direction of more than 50 automotive and motorcycle titles.

Kelly Conlin, President and CEO of PRIMEDIA, Inc., stated, "We are fortunate that PRIMEDIA can be the beneficiary of the editorial leadership that Angus has demonstrated so powerfully on two continents."

"Angus MacKenzie has done brilliant work on Car in Great Britain and on Wheels in Australia," said David E. Davis Jr., the dean of automotive journalism and the founding editor of AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE. "The buzz among his peers is that he's the hottest editor in the automotive category and that makes him the perfect fit for the hottest magazine."

Added Jacques Nasser, former CEO of Ford Motor Company: "Angus MacKenzie is a truly unique and special editor who is extremely passionate about the industry, the products and the players. What sets Angus apart is his deep interest in both the products and the automotive business itself. He sees the industry the way customers do and has been a leader in Asia-Pacific and Europe. I have no doubt he will be very successful in the U.S."

Mr. MacKenzie stated, "This is the right opportunity at the right time for both me and PRIMEDIA. MOTOR TREND is a strong and influential publication poised for even greater success. With its new redesign, deep editorial team and commitment to keeping its readers informed and aware, I am excited to join the publication and build on the momentum MOTOR TREND currently enjoys in the marketplace."

Mr. MacKenzie has developed a strong, international, edgy style over his 25 years in automotive journalism, having started his career as a freelance writer for Australian Associated Press, Chequered Flag magazine and Radio 5AD in Adelaide, Australia. Mr. MacKenzie later joined David Syme and Co. in Melbourne, where he was assistant editor of Motor Manual, and was instrumental in that magazine's transformation into glossy Car Australia, which briefly became Australia's top selling automotive title.

Mr. MacKenzie then joined Sydney-based Australian Consolidated Press, Australia's largest magazine publisher, in 1987. In 11 years there he held a variety of positions, including special projects editor, editor of Street Machine magazine, and automotive editor of The Bulletin and Australian Business, before being appointed editor of Wheels. He was also motoring editor for Today, a national news, current affairs and lifestyle TV program. After moving to the UK in 1999 he worked as a freelance automotive writer and as series editor for BskyB's The Automotive Channel before joining EMAP in 2001.

"Mr. MacKenzie joins MOTOR TREND on the heels of a significant redesign program to improve graphics, photography and paper quality of the magazine," said Lou Mohn, the President of PRIMEDIA's Consumer Automotive Group. "Kevin Smith and his team have done a tremendous job of building momentum for this title and we are confident of his future success working with PRIMEDIA's Performance Automotive Group titles."

Mohn continued, "MOTOR TREND holds a distinctive place in the landscape of automotive journalism. The marketplace we serve is truly global in nature and we feel that Angus' understanding of this market will further our flagship title as a worldwide brand. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team."

Mr. MacKenzie begins with MOTOR TREND in August, 2004.

Founded in 1949, MOTOR TREND is internationally recognized as the world's #1 automotive authority, with global distribution in North America, China, Latin America and Indonesia. The MOTOR TREND brand is comprised of the monthly magazine; motortrend.com website; MOTOR TREND Television; MOTOR TREND Radio; Truck Trend; MOTOR TREND International Auto Shows; MOTOR TREND en Espanol; and the renowned MOTOR TREND Car, Sport/Utility and Truck of the Year Awards program.

About PRIMEDIA

PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2003 revenues from continuing businesses of $1.3 billion, our properties deliver content via print as well as the Internet, live events and video and offer highly effective advertising and marketing solutions in some of the most sought after niche markets. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, their Web sites and About.com, and is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S. with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Homes Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has leading positions in 20 market sectors such as Agribusiness, Communications, Entertainment, Marketing and Transportation. PRIMEDIA Education and Training includes Channel One and other educational and training products. PRIMEDIA's stock symbol is NYSE: PRM.