'National Journal' To Shutter Print Edition

Atlantic Media’s National Journal will cease publishing its print edition at the end of the year, while simultaneously bolstering its online coverage of political and policy doings in Washington D.C. and across the country, Atlantic Media chairman David Bradley announced Thursday.

The new strategy involves greater focus on its daily digital publications, including National Journal Daily, Hotline and NationalJournal.com.

After printing a weekly news magazine covering politics for 46 years, National Journal’s last print edition will roll off the presses at the end of this year. Bradley explained the rationale behind closing the magazine in a memo to staff that later circulated online: “News in Washington now moves too quickly for a weekly publication.” Bradley added that, “likely, the best years of weekly print magazines are passed.”

As part of the move, there will also be staff reductions, Bradley stated in the memo, although he added he preferred to avoid layoffs, suggesting staff may be offered buyouts.

Striking a personal note, Bradley admitted, “as to the magazine, I believe I failed… A few years back (before virtually any of you were in place), distracted from National Journal's work, I took both my eyes and hands off the task. In the long run, I don't think a weekly print magazine can thrive. Still, had I not failed for a time in my role, I think National Journal might have prospered longer.”

Despite the decline of the print magazine, Bradley noted that National Journal’s overall revenues have been growing steadily in recent years, due in part, to the expansion of its platform beyond a simple print and digital publication to include conferences, guides, tools and other services for engaging users.

Currently, the organization’s “Membership” list includes over 1,000 organizations, contributing over half its total revenues.

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