Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Downturn Hammers Magazine Industry, Too

Condé Nast, Time, McGraw-Hill cut jobs as ad dollars slow

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 2:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – The economic downturn is taking its toll on magazines, forcing layoffs and budget cuts as publications face fewer advertising dollars, Women’s Wear Daily reports; the trouble is compounded as production costs soar while readers turn to the Internet. Magazine ad revenue fell 5% in the first three quarters of 2008, to $18.4 billion, with an 8.8% drop in the third quarter.

Condé Nast Publications will absorb Men’s Vogue into Vogue, and plans layoffs throughout its titles, which include Portfolio and the New Yorker. Time Inc. is cutting 600 jobs; McGraw-Hill has dropped 270. “I don’t care if this isn’t technically a recession yet—it is for us,” Time’s CEO said. And the forecast remains bleak for ad spending growth this year and next.

Cover of the premier issue of Condé Nast Portfolio.
Cover of the premier issue of Condé Nast Portfolio.   (AP Photo)
A Barack Obama supporter holds up copies of  Time magazine.
A Barack Obama supporter holds up copies of Time magazine.   (AP Photo)
Men's Vogue will be absorbed into Vogue.
Men's Vogue will be absorbed into Vogue.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Google to Bite at Apple With Digital Newsstand?

Newsweek Sold to Audio Magnate for $1

For Sale: Ailing Newsweek

Publishers Forming 'Magazine iTunes'

Shuttering Mags, Conde Nast Turns to ... Online Dating?


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne