There may be more announcements, but there are fewer new magazine launches in the first half of ’07
July 8, 2007
The number of new magazine announcements may have witnessed an increase from last year’s numbers, but the real numbers of new magazine launches have witnessed a major drop in the first half of 2007 compared with that of 2006. In fact this is the first year that I can remember the numbers dropping by more than 38% from the previous year’s numbers. With 342 new launches through the end of June 2007, this number is well behind the 555 new launches that 2006 saw by this point last year. Magazines published with a 4 times frequency or higher totaled 125 or 37% of the total magazine launched in 2007. Last year the total number of magazines with 4 times frequency or more during the same period of time was 163 or 29% of the total magazines launched in the first half of 2006. This year also witnessed a drop in the total number of specials and annuals. A total of 188 specials and 19 annuals were born in the first half of 2007 compared with 2006’s 251 specials and 28 annuals.
Of course the decline in the numbers comes as no surprise to me. I have mentioned earlier in the year that 2007 and 2008 will witness declines in the number of new magazine launches and 2009 will be the turnaround year. I have based my predictions on the historical record that I have been keeping since 1978 with respect to new magazine launches. If all holds true, we are at the part of the cycle where we are going to see declines for two years (call it market correction if you will) and then a return to the increase in titles in 2009. Will I bet on that? Well, you know me by now and you know my famous quote about the future: “There are only two people who can tell you the future, God and a fool.” I know for sure I am not God… To check the numbers by month and by frequency click here.
Happy readings…
Mr. Magazine 
Mr. Husni, do blogs have something to do with this downturn? I think so.
Jennie S. Bev
Well, its not surprising. Look whats being published these days judging by the accompanying photo of your blog: A graffiti magazine, a rich lifestyle magazine, and a fashion/culture/uber-hipster title. All titles I can find by the dozens on any newsstand or website already. ONLY originality will last in this new market, hence my idea: Nose Goblin Aficionado! “Your One-stop monthly to the art of picking, storing, and err, tasting, nature’s little snack-treats.”
THE BOND DIFFERENCE-
Bond magazine takes aim at the modern wedding with a quarterly print publication and website that caters to modern marriage-minded couples whose love and commitment go beyond the boundaries of gender, race or tradition. As such, it is the first wedding magazine to target alternative or post traditional lifestyles for both straight and gay couples, seeing them as part of a single emerging, modern demographic.