As magazine publishers struggle to redefine their medium because advertisers are migrating to digital media, publisher Meredith Corp. has purchased two interactive advertising agencies.

Meredith has acquired Los Angeles-based Genex, a top 50 interactive agency with clients such as Honda, Toyota, Citigroup and KB Home, along with New Media Strategies, which specializes in Web 2.0, writes MediaPost (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Though large publishers sometimes offer advertising or marketing services to their advertisers, owning their own agencies is unusual.

The addition of Genex and New Media Strategies will allow Meredith to help its clients "build their brands with a wide variety of creative and effective marketing solutions," Meredith Publishing Group President Jack Griffin is quoted as saying.

The company can now offer advertisers interactive strategies, website development, word-of-mouth and Web 2.0 marketing programs, online media and experiential events. Meredith acquired interactive agency O'Grady Meyers - which specializes in online CRM - in April 2006.