At one time, Christ Community Music or CCM Magazine was the top selling item at Ingram Periodicals. Last year, Christ Community Music published its final print issue. Then, a month ago, Ignite Your Faith, the updated version of Campus Life ceased print publication. This week, we learn that Discipleship Journal (DJ) has ceased publication with nine staff members laid off immediately.
In each case, the decision makers were different: Salem Communications, Christianity Today, Inc., and NavPress respectively. A number of Focus on the Family magazines changed ownership last month as well.
Magazines were once a Christian bookstore owner’s best friend. Newsstand readers (non-subscribers) meant additional store traffic. Or, placed by the checkout, could be a valuable add-on sale. Magazines could be a profitable commodity, yet many contained advertising, reviews and author/artist information that would boost sales in other departments.
For many frazzled store owners and managers, the monthly deadlines for strip-cover returns also meant another headache. It was impossible not to have ambivalent feelings for the magazine section of the store.
Everything, from the above mentioned mainstream magazines to niche publications like the satirical Wittenberg Door magazine continue to have a presence online, however. Given that online magazines can offer benefits now without costs, referring customers to them might seem like a good idea.
However, many magazines are forming or have formed partnerships with online vendors which — having a captive online audience — could take business away from your store with just the click of the mouse. So, do you think christian magazines are really obsolete? Do people still want or read these publications?
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