Hoffman Media to Continue Publishing Paula Deen Magazine

Hoffman Media LLC, a leading special-interest publisher based in Birmingham, Ala., and publisher of Cooking With Paula Deen magazine, announced that it is continuing to publish the magazine.

Deen came under fire recently after she acknowledged that she used racial slurs in the past. Several companies that worked with Deen, including Food Network, Wal-Mart and Target, have severed ties with her since the information, which was part of a deposition in a civil lawsuit against Deen and her brother, came to light.

Eric Hoffman, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Hoffman Media, said, “Hoffman Media has worked closely with Ms. Deen since 2005. The recent images portrayed by the media do not reflect the person we know on a personal or a professional level.

“In the eight years that we have collaborated with Ms. Deen, we have witnessed her consistent generosity toward numerous charities, from hunger relief and battered women to a Savannah-based orphanage, to name a few. Most recently, she launched The Bag Lady Foundation to empower women and families in their time of need.

“We are aware of the hurt that has been generated in the media in recent weeks. To be clear, Hoffman Media does not condone the use of offensive, discriminatory language or behavior. With that said, we feel that Ms. Deen’s apology for past indiscretions was heartfelt and genuine. Our partnership will move forward with greater sensitivity and understanding,” said Hoffman.

Hoffman Media (HM) specializes in publications targeted to the women’s market and the large base of advertisers who seek a print, online and interactive medium to reach this attractive demographic. In addition to publications, HM has a growing consumer event business and an established ancillary products division.

HM was founded in 1983 by Phyllis Hoffman DePiano as Symbol of Excellence Publishers Inc. and was renamed Hoffman Media in 1998. DePiano serves as president and chief executive officer of the company.