About the Magazine
NORTH uses the compass rose in the logo, on the cover, and at the end of every article. This symbol is more than a pretty widget — it represents our mission. The events, places, people and energy of a region are crucial to its residents so we present our readers with this information in true NORTH fashion. We provide readers with the real stories of our area to help guide their daily lives. A competent compass that always shows true NORTH will never let you down.
• Writers who listen carefully, and craft outstanding articles that accurate and interesting.
The art of story-telling is back at NORTH!
As media has advanced from the daily news and regular periodicals to highly verticalized, instantaccess digital and television media formats, the need to stay fresh is paramount. It’s a cycle that is endless and frenetic.
NORTH has benefitted from good writing by educated, skilled writers who are capable of truly great story-telling.
NORTH is very different
Stories are what connect us to one another, and create and edify our community. We can learn we’re not alone. We can relate to another’s challenges and how they overcame adversity. We can learn how to improve our own lives by gaining insights from those who have mastered an aspect of life. We can raise awareness, engagement, and support by virtue of telling our individual stories.
— Dirk R. Hobbs, Founder & Publisher of NORTH
• NORTH is locally founded, owned, produced and distributed by local residents.
• NORTH is interested in the PEOPLE and their journey behind the brands and experiences that make up our community.
• NORTH showcases human triumph that is achieved in the midst of trials and setbacks.
• NORTH is interested in quality journalism. This region has hundreds of thousands of people all working hard to serve, to learn, and to make our way of life better. There are interesting stories embedded within these institutions everywhere!
• Good writing informs. In print, it also improves information retention (by 30%), increases introspection, improves grammar and vocabulary (by 45%), encourages and increases individual engagement (by 50% over self-distributed marketing content), and increases brand loyalty (by up to 65% when the experience expectation is met).
NORTH Quick Facts
• Total Distribution: 71,000 (TV Partnership with an extra 250,000)
• Distribution area: All areas of Colorado Springs and El Paso County
• General demographic: HHI > $125,000/year, degreed, employed
• Integrated distribution channels: Print, digital editions, mobile SMS, strategic partnerships (KKTV/Salem Media) and website.
• Average length of time w/digital edition: 8 minutes 19 seconds
• Average completion rate of digital edition: 62%
• Average open rate*: 67% (based on CRM Analytics)
• Industries served: All in the region — large employers, small business, retail, development (commercial and residential), food and beverage, lodging, attractions, convenience, health care, sports, leisure, professional services, multi-purpose, services, city, county, schools and more.
• Main focus: People, Lifestyle & Events/Attractions of Colorado Springs & El Paso County region
• Purpose: Economic development and attraction, regional business news, B2C, community engagement and awareness, hospitality support, consumer engagement, events promotion, people profiles, and more.
• Frequency: 6x annually (print/digital) + continual/refreshed online presence
• Average per edition investment: $2,000.00
• Website: www.coloradomediagroup.com
• Social channels: Facebook/Meta, LinkedIn, Instagram, X
Some of NORTH’s Regional Partners
• Air Force Academy Athletics
• Colorado Springs Airport
• COS Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
• Cultural Offices of the Pikes Peak RegionCOPPeR
• KKTV - 11 NEWS
• Salem Media
• The Sports Corp
• Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce
• VISIT COS
Philanthropy
At NORTH, doing business together should be a win-win for all involved. Most non-profit organizations are better served using their precious funds toward their core mission. That’s why NORTH supports several area non-profit agencies with complementary advertising and story-telling opportunities.
This is part of how NORTH is a true community partner. We have the ability to help these organization reach new donors, volunteers, benefactors and those in need of various services.
Some of our Non-Profit, Community Partners
• COS Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA)
• Cultural Offices of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR)
• The Exodus Road
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• National Charity League - Colorado Springs
• Pikes Peak United Way
• Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce
• Springs Rescue Mission
• Tri-Lakes Chamber & EDC
Why Reprint Your Article?
If you print brochures, you know how costly those pieces can be. When you reprint a NORTH article or Featured Story, you have boosted your business story’s credibility by 50% because it has been published in an unrelated, third party medium. Our “As seen in” reprint program is a cost effective solution for small businesses to get quality collateral and exposure at a lower cost than brochures. Plus, your story lives on in our social media realms, Web site, and our digital edition at no extra cost.
Let NORTH tell your story again and again with new prospects and customers. Unlimited digital usage after purchase.
About the Publisher
Dirk R. Hobbs is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience, having served as Chief Marketing Officer for a national biotech organization, NHRA and NASCAR motor-sports programs, and numerous regional and national brands. He has consulted on over 300 feasibility studies, business plans, and capital campaigns across the U.S. In 2001, Hobbs transitioned into medical publishing, establishing himself as a trusted resource for health systems, biotech firms, and physician practices seeking to refine their branding and marketing strategies. His expertise and advocacy for the medical community earned him recognition as a “physician advocate,” leading to key strategic roles, including a major initiative for a Colorado health system that he completed in 2020.
Now focused on his own community, Hobbs turned his attention to the rapidly growing El Paso County. Identifying a lack of media outlets catering to this vibrant region, which has seen an influx of more than 50,000 residents since 2016, Hobbs envisioned a publication that would feature the area’s evolving offerings of entertainment, food, retail, tourism, and family recreation. He recognized the potential for such a platform to serve as an economic development tool, enabling local businesses, professionals, and community leaders to engage with the region’s dynamic consumer base while fostering connectivity and growth in this burgeoning area.
After careful feasibility research, and countless area focus-groups, Hobbs created Colorado Media Group, which released its first edition of NORTH in Oct 2021.
Since that time, profiled some of the community’s most extraordinary leaders and contributors, all the while, maintaining an approachable look and feel we have also attracted some of the best creative talents in the community!
With Hobbs’ 30 years of marketing expertise, area businesses get more than a media company. NORTH builds long-term business partnerships that focus on strategy in reaching consumers and prospective customers.
NORTH has become a go-to resource for local businesses who want to expand their message and offerings to all the city.
Publishing Awards
• Medical Publisher of the Year 2007-2012, 2015-16
• National Publisher’s Leadership Counsel
• Circle of Excellence Sunshine Media 2007-14
• 2022 Everest Award AAF Colorado Springs
Present your brand to a diverse audience eager to learn, explore, and engage with everything El Paso County has to offer.
NORTH magazine is known in El Paso county for featuring the things to do, the places to go, and the amazing array of beauty that is all around us. Everyother month we help readers decide how to spend their time and money.
Our regular features include:
• Interior Design
• Tax Advice
• Activities Guide
• Real Estate
• Shopping
• Restaurants
• Health & Wellness Options
• Sports & Events
Our advertisers have extraordinary influence, with the power to harness rich content and reach a sought-after audience to drive business outcomes. Through our substantial full-color pages, and across multiple platforms, we maximize results for our partners through unparalleled reader relationships and audience insights.
NORTH readers know we have their best interests at heart — we tell the stories of the Pikes Peak region and show them the best and the brightest in our area. Present your brand where 750,000 people turn for help making their purchase decisions.
Digital: 71,000
KKTV: 250,000+
Radio/Podcast: 60,000
Print & Digital Magazine Ad Prices
Back Page: $3995
Inside Front Cover: $3000
Inside Back Cover: $3000
Center Spread: $3000
Inside Page 1: $2500
Opposite Inside Back Cover: $2500
Radio sponsorship: $1750/month includes three 30-second audio commercial runs per show on our radio/podcast and three 30-second video commercials run on our YouTube channel.
NORTH Ad Payment
Payment due at the time of placement (active date) or NET 15.
Credit card payments will include a 3% for credit fees.
Ad Sizes & Specs
Provide the file in PDF format, using CMYK color mode, with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. All fonts converted to outlines/curves.
If you have an embedded video/links for the digital edition there is no additional charge. Client must provide video link at the time display ad is provided.
Email Newsletter Ad Sizes
Submit the file in JPG format, using RGB color mode, with a resolution of at least 72 dpi.
Website Ad Sizes
Submit the file in JPG format, using RGB color mode, with a resolution of at least 72 dpi.
Full-Service Marketing Partnership for your Business
SEO, SEM/PPC
When they are searching, they need to find you. Our accredited professionals will grow your online visibility and drive conversions for your business.
• Fully managed campaigns
• Increased visibility, rankings and leads
• Constantly adapting to algorithm changes
TV, CTV/OTT & Radio
Reach the largest percentage of your audience, whether it is on Network TV, streaming TV/audio, cable, or radio with precision targeting.
• Premium placement and top programming
• Customized attribution
• 24/7 reporting with real-time insights
Social Media Marketing
Certified professionals in digital marketing and advertising will work to elevate your brand and grow your online presence.
• Multiple certifications in social media marketing
• Customized campaigns for content, outreach and engagement
• Extensive social listening tools
Reputation Management
The voice of your brand defines your business. Interact with your loyal customers and proactively manage your online reputation.
• Personalized replies to online reviews
• Build brand loyalty
• Custom review campaigns
2025-26 Editorial Calendar
El Paso County’s most widely distributed luxury lifestyle publication & TrueNORTH Radio.
NORTH Staple editorial sections with editorial & expert commentary:
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
Unpaid features on individuals, groups, places that stand out in our region. Plus issues facing our community.
COLORADO LIFESTYLE & HOME
Valuable activities, events, and assets available to readers in the region. Features and advice for making your home a haven: update, renovate, remodel.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Aspects of physical and emotional well being with a focus on area assets for readers as well as advice.
REAL ESTATE, WEALTH, & FINANCE
Expert advice on protecting and enhancing readers’ financial assets. Planning for the future and taking control of the present.
Within these sections: attractions, events, food, libations, shopping, fashion, nonprofits, pets, education, service, lodging, recreation, and all things El Paso County.
Multimedia: 70% of NORTH subscribers view our digital edition. Ad clients are encouraged to embed short videos or links to further content for enhanced reader engagement.
Want more? Contact us about an appearance on TrueNORTH (radio & podcast).
APRIL/MAY 2025 | Ad Close: March 10, 2025
• Person of the Year
• Mothers’ Day Gift Guide
• Great Steak Houses in Town
• Allergies & Asthma
• Outdoor Recreation
• Gardening Prep
• She Sheds for Mom
• Home Disaster Preparedness
JUNE/JULY 2025 | Ad Close: May 10, 2025
• Golf 2025
• Top Local Attractions
• Outdoor Toys: Wet & Wild!
• Wedding Gift Guide
• Skin Care/Sun Care
• Motorcycles (safety, options, routes)
• Man-Caves for Dad
• Ultimate Garages & BBQ HQ
AUG/SEP 2025 | Ad Close: July 10, 2025
• Buying Land in Colorado
• Weekend Escapes: One Tank or Less
• Top Burger Joints
• Fall Fashion
• Family Car Options
• Drug-Free Pain Management at Home
• Adding a Home Sound System
• Back-to-School (Weeknight Recipes, Routines, Organization Systems, P2P Advice)
OCT/NOV 2025 | Ad Close: September 10, 2025
• Arts Month Features
• Fall Color Getaways
• Outdoor Winter Toys
• Pasta & Pizza Hot Spots
• Local Jeweler Features
• Property & Data Security
• Home Office: Efficient & Elegant
• Sustainable Fitness at Home
• Winterizing Your Home
DEC 2025/JAN 2026 | Ad Close: November 10, 2025
• Last-Minute Gift Guide
• Best Tech Gadgets
• Cool Bars in COS
• Holiday Entertaining
• Ski Season Preview
• Financial Planning for 2025
• Healthy New Year Resolution Restaurants
• Local Orthopedics & Rehab Facilities
• New Luxury/Hybrid/Electric Cars
FEB/MARCH 2026 | Ad Close: January 10, 2026
• The Money Edition
• Heart Health Advice & Experts
• Celebrate Who You Love
• Spring Break for Coloradans
List topics subject to change.
• Winter Pick-Me-Ups
• Staycation Ideas
• Comfort Food Spots
• Alternative Healthcare in COS