CHART CLOSE-UP FROM THE STORY:
Failing Economy Shutters 525 Magazines in 2008 »
(scroll down to read the full story)
Failing Economy Shutters 525 Magazines in 2008
More than 525 US magazines ceased publication in 2008, and 40 have already folded in 2009 as the downturn in the economy continues to heavily impact most forms of print media, according to MediaFinder.com.
The regional magazines category suffered the largest decline in 2008, losing 33 titles. The travel category lost 18 titles.
The next largest category losers were home and automotive, both losing 17 publications each in 2008. In the home category, both Cottage Living and Home were shut down last year.
Things do not look much better for this year, MediaFinder said. In 2009, 40 publications already have folded, including six titles from now defunct Double Down Media. Domino, Country Home, and Wondertime are among the many magazines that folded in 2009. Another 13 titles now publish online-only versions, such as PC Magazine, Playgirl, Information Security.
Looking back to 2007, 591 magazines ceased publication. As in 2008, the regional category had the most casualties, with 37 ceased publications. Crossword puzzle and college student press had 22 and 20 now-defunct magazines, respectively.
Mediafinder announced late last year that 335 new magazines had launched in 2008.
