Japan's Gaga Communications has spun off its Publication Department, which publishes Video Insider Japan and Digital Media Navigator magazines, into a wholly owned subsidiary, Gaga Publishing.

The new company is expected to begin operations in the first part of August. Gaga founder Tetsu Fujimura will be chairman with Hikaru Kobayashi as president.

In addition to issuing and promoting its current publications, Gaga Publishing intends to seek out partners in strategic business areas such as Internet publishing. "Initially we will be supplying dealers and other video-related businesses with video industry news through our web-site, but eventually we hope to target consumers as well," said a Gaga Publishing spokesman.

In addition to Gaga Publishing, Gaga has two other subsidiaries in its corporate group: satellite and cable channel Comin' Soon TV and music publisher Gaga Music.