5 Print Publications That Have Closed Down This Decade

There was a time, not too long ago, when people relied on newspapers and magazines for the latest updates, new information, and much more. The introduction of the internet has allowed us to get instant updates, essentially eliminating the reliance on print publications. While smaller publication houses were already on the verge of shutting down, the COVID-19 pandemic ensured they could never recover.

While a significant portion of print publication houses are still continuing their operations, several publications have closed down in recent years. Let’s take a look at some of those iconic print publications that no longer exist.

1. Guitar Player

The Guitar Player magazine was one of the most celebrated publications in the world of music and was read by musicians, guitar enthusiasts, and industry professionals. It started in 1967 and has played a massive role in shaping guitar culture. The emergence of this magazine coincided with the rise of rock and roll and the electric guitar’s prominence. Due to the engaging content, in-depth articles, and gear reviews tailored to all levels of guitar players, this magazine quickly gained traction.

The magazine has featured an impressive roster of writers and contributors over the years. Some of them are Mick Goodrick, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Marty Friedman. Throughout its publication years, the magazine has made a significant cultural impact. It helped build the guitar community, served as an educational resource, and bridged musical divides by featuring artists from different genres. In December 2024, the magazine ended its print journey with its final issue.

2. Cleo (Australia)

Once considered a leading women’s lifestyle magazine across the Asia-Pacific region, the Australian edition of Cleo magazine closed its operations in 2016 after a 44-year run. The magazine continued its Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia editions, which were bought by SPH Magazines in 2011.

Launched in 1972 by Kerry Packer, Cleo magazine was considered an edgy and sometimes controversial women’s magazine. It pushed the boundaries with nude male centrefolds and sex and dating tips. Published by Bauer Media Group, Cleo magazine ended its Australia run with its March 2016 issue.

3. Smith Journal

Smith Journal was a niche publication that promised readers a simpler alternative to glossy imports like GQ or People magazine. The publication focused on a variety of topics, including history, photography, art, design, science, architecture, DIY, and adventure. This quarterly magazine brought together a small but loyal tribe of readers who were interested in finding meaning in this age of rapid change and instability.

The Journal aimed at telling timeless, unexpected, funny, and sometimes complicated stories in a way that was accessible to everyone. Although it was adored by many, the magazine fell victim to the modern challenges of the publishing business model, where advertising fundamentally underpins publishing costs. After eight years and 33 volumes, this niche publication shut down its presses in 2019.

4. The Weekly Standard (US)

Owned by Clarity Media Group, The Weekly Standard offered a valued and important perspective on political, literary, and cultural issues. Considered one of the most influential publications for American readers, it insisted that Washington was the centre of major human events. Founded in 1995, the Standard always stood for a more humane, less libertarian vision of conservatism.

In the final five years of the magazine’s run, it lost about a third of its print subscribers and around three million dollars per year. The Standard’s final issue was published in December 2017. Before ending Standard’s run, Clarity announced that its sister publication, the Washington Examiner, would expand with a weekly conservative magazine with national distribution. With the new Examiner product positioned to take over, management decided to shut down the journal.

5. Dolly (Australia)

Started in 1970, Dolly was an Australian bimonthly teen magazine that offered a more subtle space for articulating and redefining pre-pubescent subjectivity. It had everything a teen magazine should have, including celebrity news, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. The magazine allowed young women to form their identities and helped them figure out how to tackle the everyday challenges of life as a teenage girl.

It was also owned by Bauer Media. Management decided to stop printing the magazine after 46 years, as they felt young readers were no longer engaging with the written word unless it was on a screen. While Bauer Media completely axed Cleo magazine, they chose to shift Dolly to a digital platform so that teenagers could still access their content. The print edition of the magazine was last published in December 2016.

Conclusion

For decades, print publications have served readers around the world as a source of information, education, and entertainment, shaping their opinions and decisions. However, with the growing popularity of digital media, the readership of these publications is steadily declining. While a significant portion of these publications are switching to digital platforms, some are forced to close their operations due to a lack of investment.