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 the tally can be found online. We should be grateful that Masthead, which itself exited the ranks of printed magazines, but carried on online, has maintained its annual tracking.