Masthead mid-year tally: 12 magazine startups; 31 stops

Masthead magazine says so far this year it has tracked 31 magazine closures (or suspensions) and 12 startups. A handful of the shuttered books have continued to publish in some form online, while other publishers intend to relaunch their print magazine when the economy recovers. Masthead is also anticipating the debut of three new titles (plus one custom publication) this fall. Six of the trade

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