Many observers believe that the imminent closure of Femina magazine - and possibly of more titles in the near future - is a clear indication that SA magazines are in deep trouble. Bizcommunity sought comment from analysts to clarify the issue.
Veteran editor Raymond Louw said yesterday, 14 February 2010: “It appears that the starvation that hit US newspapers, resulting in falling advertising and circulation, is spreading to SA - though the condition is less severe than that experienced in the US.”
Louw noted that the decline in circulation throughout the print industry may in part be due to cover prices being perceived by readers to be too high, with the recession fuelling such thoughts.
“It is noted that The Citizen appears to think that its price (which was modest) was too high because it cut its weekday price.”
“It is sad to see a publication, especially one with such a long history, as Femina's, being forced to close.” (Femina's cover price is R28.50, up from R21.50 some 18 months ago.) continue ...
