Masthead tally of magazine launches and closures shows net loss of 20 titles

Masthead Online has published its 2009 tally of magazine launches and closures, with a net loss of 20 titles last year. As expected, the data reflects the impact of the recent recession. Launches were down considerably (17, compared with 74 in 2008). Closures were up somewhat, with 37, compared with 2008's 29. However 7 of those continued online (for instance, Chart and unlimited). The details of

Net gain of 42 titles in 2008, Masthead reports

There was a net gain of 42 magazine titles in 2008, with 71 total launches and 29 closures, according to Masthead's annual tally.90% of the net growth in titles were consumer magazinesTrade and farm magazines saw 11 launches and 9 closures10% of launches were French languageHalf of launches were quarterlies18% of launches were primarily paid circulation

Masthead offers a $10 discount for its 20th anniversary

Masthead magazine, the industry's trade publication, is offering its print subscription free for a limited time to mark its 20th anniversary. If you buy a Mastheadonline subscription for the regular price of $49.95, the offer says, you receive the 6-times-a-year magazine free. Normal pricing is $59.95 for the combination of print and online, so the offer effectively means a $10 discount. For more

Marco Ursi is new editor of Masthead magazine

Masthead magazine, Canada's only trade magazine about magazines, has selected Marco Ursi to be its new editor. He replaces Bill Shields, who resigned a few months ago.Ursi takes up his post today, having last week completed a summer intership at Maclean's magazine. Ursi is a graduate of Ryerson, and was editor of the spring, 2006 issue of the Ryerson Review of Journalism. He is also a blogger (

Message from participants in magazine conferences: kiss and make up

[NOTE: This post has been updated.] We promised to report on the results of the online questionnaire, asking readers to give their views about the two magazine conferences that took place this past month -- Magazines University and MagNet: Canada's Magazine Conference.According to the latest information available, the attendance at the two conferences was:Magazines University (according to the

Bill Shields leaving Masthead magazine

Bill Shields, whose provocative questioning and hard, hard work has helped make Masthead magazine what it is today, is leaving as editor of the industry's trade magazine, effective tomorrow. He will have completed his tour by editing the May-June issue that subscribers will see later this month. (Fair disclosure: I am paid to write the Good Question column in the magazine). He's been with North