Hard Times :: R.I.P. 2001-2009: Blender Magazine Comes to an End

In a poor year for magazines, Blender hit an off note and couldn’t recover.The Alpha Media Group music magazine will cease publication as of the April issue now on newsstands. The company blamed the recession for the move in a statement issued today.

“Blender has provided unmatched music coverage and entertainment news in its unique voice to a profoundly dedicated audience of music enthusiasts since 2001. However, given the reality of the current economic climate, we are unable to continue publication,” said Stephen Duggan, Alpha’s chief executive.

Many had seen Blender as a title in danger after a weak 2008 in terms of ad sales. The magazine saw its ad pages plummet 30.6 percent year to year, from 752.09 to 522.07, and ad revenue dipped 20 percent for the year, according to the Publishers Information Bureau.

Newsstand sales for the magazine, considered an indicator of a title’s health, declined 17.8 percent during the second half of 2008, though overall circulation was up slightly, to 913,000, due to subscription gains.

About 30 employees will reportedly lose their jobs from the closure, though like Playgirl and Radar, entertainment magazines that folded last year, Blender will live on with its web site, Blender.com.

Read more…

Hard Times :: R.I.P. 2001-2009: Sneak Peek @ the Final King Magazine

SOHH has learned urban lifestyle publication King Magazine will be shutting its doors and will be releasing its final issue as a result of the current economic crisis.

The popularmen’s magazine is known for featuring a variety of urban entertainers and video vixens mixed with in-depth coverage of serious issues.

KING is a bimonthly magazine of pure adrenaline that brings you the best of everything that is your lifestyle. We hit you with sexy women, fast cars, sports, real money and mad music. We bring you gadgets and games the hottest styles to wear and take you to exotic places worthy of a KING’s presence. (Magazine Agent)

Rumors of the publication’s end began to spread earlier this week.

We don’t often post rumors, despite the number of them that cross our desks daily (many of which end up being true). I felt like posting this one though. We just got word that KING Magazine (aka Butts and Rims) is closing shop, not even releasing it’s next issue. In this strained economy, the already dying print format is suffering big time. It is upsetting to hear of people losing jobs, but can this be considered a victory for women (in particular black women) who struggle against objectification at every turn? I have to admit, I enjoy the images, but I know it can’t really be good for raising the standards of our society. What do you think? (Okay Player)The magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Jermaine Hall, who took the helm after from founding EIC Datwon Thomas, previously spoke withSOHH about the first issue he signed off on.”

After four years as Executive Editor of KING Magazine, St. Lucia-born, Queens-bred journalist Jermaine Hall has taken the reins as Editor-in-Chief of the Men’s magazine Hugh Hefner dubbed “the Black Playboy”. In this week’s 24 Hour Grind Jermaine weighs in with his favorite KING moments, what direction the magazine is going in and things every EIC should know to turn out an eye-catching publication. Jermaine Hall’s KING Hall of Fame: “My first issue as Editor-In-Chief was the Ciara issue. It was a pink backdrop with Ciara sucking on a lollipop, LL Cool J style.” (SOHH)

April 21st will be the LAST issue of the magazine.  (Click images to enlarge)

Check out the behind the scenes footage of King’s final photoshoot with TAHIRY BUDDEN (who’spic was one of four covers for their special ‘Hood Fab’ issue).