The South Magazine

Pushing the Envelope in Savannah

A crisp, adrenaline-infused bi-monthly publication called ‘The South’ was in need of a launching pad. But it had to be bold, sophisticated and ready to redefine the Southern experience.

“All those ingredients were right here,” says Michael Brooks, publisher and creative director of The South Magazine, of our fare city. “Savannah for me, as a magazine publisher, was perfect.”

He applauds the city’s über-networking maze, as well as its fast forward, jet-set business thinking and rich culture, which lends itself to strong editorial and pictorial showcasing.

There was also a little help from The Creative Coast Alliance Alliance’s own former fearless leader and visionary emeritus. “Chris Miller himself is a resource,” says Brooks.

“He and The Creative Coast made my very first introductions and got the snowball rolling. It’s amazing to have them in Savannah.”

Since the inaugural issue hit stands on February 1 of 2006, The South Magazine has been ever-present on the ‘scene,’ growing in both scope and scale and becoming a well-respected magazine reminiscent of publications from more cosmopolitan locales. To date, the trendy lifestyle magazine has tackled everything from tough social issues like homelessness to colorful depictions of quirky, creative, laid back coastal living. The South well personifies the heroic, bold and beautiful of Savannah and the Georgia Coast and serves up an exciting dose of Southern chic between its covers.

“I consider Savannah to be the heart of the South,” says Brooks. “Savannah deserves that kind of publication that gets national attention.”

Undoubtedly, Michael Brooks’ plans to “grow a magazine” have taken hold faster than even he expected. He is now looking to franchise the magazine’s unique take on Southern culture into 35 different markets across 12 Southern states.