Abstract: Magnetic recording media suitable for high density recording are provided by a carbon substrate, a magnetic recording layer, and at least one interlayer therebetween which provides one or more properties beneficial to preventing diffusion, inducing a preferred orientation in the magnetic recording layer and/or promoting adhesion between a carbon substrate and a barium hexaferrite-based magnetic recording layer. Alternatively, the present magnetic recording media may contain two different interlayers, which bar diffusion of carbon atoms from said substrate to said magnetic recording layer, improve adhesion between adjacent layers, induce an orientation in the magnetic recording layer, or any combination thereof. The present recording media are particularly advantageous for perpendicular recording. Processes for producing these magnetic recording media are also provided.