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 Yet another magazine seems to have bit the dust.
Giant magazine announced Tuesday (November 30) that it will suspend printing of the bi-monthly magazine, and focus its efforts online, with the launch of GiantLife.com.
The magazine was acquired by Radio One in 2007, but over the past few years, the ecomonic downturn has hit magazines hard. King closed its doors earlier this year, followed by the closing of Vibe. Now, Giant is following suit.
"The economic downturn has had a tremendous impact on print media and we had to make the decision to suspend printing the publication," said Tom Newman, President of Interactive One, the digital division of Radio One. "Additionally we recognize the increase in demand for real time information and see this as an opportunity to leverage our existing robust online platform to better serve Giant consumers and advertisers through our interactive medium."
GiantLife.com is the new focus, where they will feature celebrity profiles, coverage of cultural events and special features of emerging talent in the African American community.
They will also launch an exclusive video series hosted by Interactive One's CCO, Smokey D. Fontaine, called Cover Stories. The debut episode features Alicia Keys, while forthcoming episodes will feature 50 Cent, supermodel Sessilee Lopez, LisaRaye and actress Paula Patton.
"Suspending the print vehicle marks the end of an era, but I am thrilled with the opportunity to bring more celebrity, style and culture to our audiences through my exclusive video series, and other integrated rich media opportunities," said Fontaine. "In the coming months consumers can look forward to more exclusive content from trend-setter and celebrity bloggers and active user participation and dialogue through TheGIANTList."
Giant's final cover will feature Alicia Keys, and will hit newsstands December 15.
Interactive One is finalizing plans for its current Giant magazine subscribers and will notify them over the next few weeks.
At press time, it was unclear if the suspension of printing was temporary, or permenant.
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