The Shooting Wire

Wednesday, January 14, 2026  ■  Publishing

Bleecker Street Publications Doubles Down on Growth, Innovation, and Community

Southfield, Michigan — In an era when much of the media landscape is defined by contraction, consolidation, and cautious retreat, Bleecker Street Publications (BSP) is doing the opposite. The past year has marked one of the most ambitious and productive periods in the company's history, defined by bold launches, strategic expansions, revitalized brands, and a renewed commitment to serving, and leading, the outdoor, tactical, and enthusiast communities.

At the center of this momentum is Athlon Outdoors, which underwent a major evolution with the launch of Athlon Outdoors 2.0. The redesigned platform delivers a cleaner, faster, and more immersive user experience, reinforcing Athlon's position as a modern, authoritative destination for firearms, gear, and outdoor culture. The update wasn't cosmetic; it was structural, signaling a long-term investment in digital-first storytelling and audience engagement.

BSP also introduced Open Air Media, a new content and creative division designed to expand how stories are told and shared across video platforms. Open Air Media represents a strategic shift toward scalable, premium content production that serves both audiences and partners with precision and purpose.

Editorially, Bleecker Street Publications didn't just expand, it sharpened. Skillset was strategically repositioned, and with that move came the highly anticipated revival of Tactical Knives, reestablishing it as a standalone authority in edged tools, craftsmanship, and hard-use gear. The relaunch honors the category's legacy while modernizing its voice for today's enthusiasts.

Innovation continued with the debut of Rotten Gun Reviews, a refreshingly unfiltered take on firearms evaluation that strips away marketing fluff and delivers straight talk. The series reinforces BSP's commitment to credibility and authenticity. Values that audiences increasingly demand.

Further broadening its reach, BSP unveiled Athlon Untamed, a new vertical dedicated to hunting, conservation, and life beyond the firing line. That expansion naturally led to another milestone: the first-ever Ballistic's Best Hunting Edition, a significant evolution of the flagship Ballistic's Best program and a clear signal that hunting content is not an add-on, but a pillar.

Community impact has remained central to BSP's mission. The company's partnership with Walk The Talk America (WTTA) continues to bridge mental health awareness with the firearms and outdoor communities. Demonstrating that leadership means showing up for issues that matter, not just headlines that sell.

On the awards front, Ballistic's Best 2025 once again raised the bar, culminating in the Editors' Choice Awards, which recognized the top-performing firearms and gear of the year after rigorous real-world testing. These programs remain industry benchmarks, trusted by manufacturers and consumers alike.

Reflecting on the year, Emily Long, Chair of The Board and Chief Legal Counsel of Bleecker Street Publications, shared her perspective:

"I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. Every launch, every relaunch, every new initiative was built with intention and belief in what this company can be. We've laid an incredibly strong foundation, and I'm excited to build on it. And yes, we've got a couple more surprises coming."

That forward-looking mindset extends to Rendezvous, BSP's ultra-exclusive, reimagined industry event. After a highly successful return last year, captured in this dynamic sizzle reel, Rendezvous is set to return with even greater ambition, bringing together brands, media, and creators in an environment designed for real connection, real testing, and real storytelling.

The message from Bleecker Street Publications is clear: momentum is not accidental, it's earned.

While others are downsizing, scaling back, or playing defense, Bleecker Street Publications is investing, expanding, and executing. This is a team of professionals who actually believe in growth and are willing to back that belief with action.

About Bleecker Street Publications

Bleecker Street Publications is a leading digital media company covering firearms, survival, tactical gear, outdoor living, and skill-building for enthusiasts and professionals. Since acquiring Athlon Outdoors in 2023, Bleecker Street has continued expanding its portfolio with powerhouse brands including Athlon Untamed, RottenGunReviews.com, Ballistic, Tactical Life, Personal Defense World, Combat Handguns, and GAT Daily.

Whether it's expert gear reviews, hands-on training guides, breaking industry news, or beginner-friendly resources, Bleecker Street Publications delivers trusted content for the modern firearms community.

To learn more visit www.BleeckerStreetPublications.com or follow Athlon Outdoors and Bleecker Street Publications on Facebook, Instagram, and Open Air Media.