2014 magazine launches outpace closures 2:1

In the first 9 months of 2014, 142 magazines launched and 65 closed according to MediaFinder.com, the largest database of U.S. and Canadian publications. Launches are down slightly from 145 to 142. Closures are up from 45 in 2013 to 65 this year, the company said in a release. 

During the first half of 2014, the top category for new consumer magazine launches was “regional interest”, followed by "health & fitness".

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 closures were from one company, CLB Media of Aurora.

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 magazines
  
• Trade and farm magazines saw 11 launches and 9 closures
• 10% of launches were French language
• Half of launches were quarterlies
• 18% of launches were primarily paid circulation