Chart Magazine and Chart Attack | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Chart Magazine and Chart Attack

One of Canada's longest running and most respected music publications, Chart was a Toronto-based monthly music magazine published by Chart Communications from 1991 until 2009.

One of Canada's longest running and most respected music publications, Chart was a Toronto-based monthly music magazine published by Chart Communications from 1991 until 2009. Focusing on Canadian alternative and independent rock music, the magazine ceased publication in 2009 but continues through its online incarnation, Chart Attack, which was launched in 1996.

Background

Chart (originally known as The National Chart), was founded in 1991 by Edward Skira and Nada Laskovski, two students at York University. It began as an eight-page tip sheet and airplay chart for campus radio stations across the country. As such, it was regarded as an internal publication for the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA) and was not available to the general public.

Print Version

After graduating, Skira and Laskovski incorporated Chart as an independent magazine and obtained newsstand distribution. While the monthly music charts continued as its mainstay, the publication grew to include album reviews, interviews and other features. Chart created its own niche by spotlighting up-and-coming Canadian musicians and new musical trends neglected by the mainstream media. It was published 10 times a year and had a circulation of roughly 40,000. Chart continued in its print format for 18 years, but dwindling advertising revenues forced the magazine to cease publication in 2009.

Online Version

The online version of Chart, called Chart Attack, was launched in 1996 as an online component of Chart magazine, but later became the sole endeavour of Chart Communications when the magazine ceased publication. The focus on independent and alternative rock music remained the same, as did the appearance of the weekly campus radio charts. Added services in the online component included daily features, video interviews and mp3s.

During the summer of 2011, Chart Communications decided to sell Chart Attack, as the website was no longer financially sustainable. The site was shut down for three months, but in the fall of 2011 it was acquired by Toronto-based media company andPOP Inc. The andPOP production team redesigned and rebranded the Chart Attack website, emphasizing more video content. As Dan Busheikin, the new editor-in-chief, explained, "We are honing back in on the independent and alternative music scene for which the magazine was famous. Through relevant video content, our audiences can explore indie music and new artists in a more engaging way."

The new website re-established Chart's long-standing reputation as one of the most important resources in Canadian alternative and independent music. In 2013, andPOP was bought by the broadcasting and media group Channel Zero.

A version of this entry originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada.

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