Friday, Aug 7, 2009    Text size: 

Andreoli has been a writer for such publications as The Advocate and Metro Source: Los Angeles; he is also the author of 2004's "Mondo Homo: Your Essential Guide to Queer Pop Culture."

He was chosen in part for his mainstream publishing experience. Andreoli "will guide Unzipped as it expands its focus on the gay adult entertainment industry to include more culture, lifestyle and in-depth feature articles about and for men who love men," a company rep said.

He will oversee all-male adult mags Men, Freshmen and Unzipped as well as online properties MenMachine.com, BelowTheBelt.unzipped.net and Unzipped.net.

The websites will be retooled in the coming weeks. Unzipped.net is set to feature "original news and feature videos to supplement the magazines," the rep said.

"The next few months are going to see some major changes with the Unzipped Media properties," said President and Publisher Dustin Tyner. "We needed someone with a uniquely broad vision for how to achieve all those goals.

“I've known Rick and followed his work for years, so I asked him for thoughts about how we could improve the websites and better tie them into the magazines. His ideas were so outside-the-box and enthusiastic that I knew he was the right man for the job."

Andreoli praised the creative freedom bestowed by Unzipped Media management. "It's really exciting to have a management team that not only wants you to take chances and explore new territory, but also encourages it," he said.

"Gay readers are web-savvy. They're up on the latest lifestyle and culture happenings, and they like having a little sex in their day. Right now there is no one magazine or website that delivers all of those things in one package. Unzipped magazine and Unzipped.net are here to fill that void."

In addition to installing Andreoli as executive editor, Unzipped Media has announced several additional staff changes:

* Managing Editor Winston Gieseke has been promoted to editor-in-chief of Men and Freshmen magazines. He will remain as managing editor of Unzipped magazine.

* Online Editor Sean Carnage has been named editor-in-chief of Unzipped.net.

* Assistant Editor Zachary Sire was promoted to associate editor of all Unzipped Media properties.

"We're at a pivotal time in gay culture," Gieseke said. "I'm thrilled to be part of an organization that entertains and informs while unabashedly promoting this wonderful 'homosexual agenda' we keep hearing about."