to stay connected to the college radio scene, but felt unable or unwilling to pay the high price for a subscription to a trade publication. To fill the need, CMJ created CMJ New Music Monthly in 1993. This consumer publication featured interviews, reviews, and special features. It was also the first magazine to regularly include a CD of music. It was available on newsstands and via subscription.

The company got caught up in the internet bubble in the late 1990s when Rare Medium Group purchased CMJ in November 1999. Rare owned interest