When the announcement was made a few days ago that Hearst magazines is creating a pair of 2012 YouTube channels, FishbowlLA couldn’t help but notice the name Popular Mechanics. Founded in 1902, the publication will provide content for an automotive-themed channel alongside Hearst mates Car and Driver and Road & Track.

While spinning off the current Popular Mechanics feature “Jay Leno’s Garage” for YouTube seems like a no-brainer, Hearst men’s enthusiast group editorial director James Meigs (pictured) says that idea has yet to be broached. However, given that the magazine was, even back in Thomas Edison‘s day, dedicated to the coverage of cutting-edge technology, automotive and otherwise, he confirms there will definitely be some sort of historical component.

“The channel will be launching towards the middle of next year,” Meigs explains via telephone. “It’s an ambitious schedule with a whole range of distinct programming. It will be branded Car & Driver Television, but we’ll be tapping into the resources of all three participating magazines.”

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