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Wednesday May 16, 2012

Los Angeles Times shutting down its magazine


LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Times is shutting down its Sunday magazine.

Citing the downturn in the print industry, LA, Los Angeles Times Magazine will cease production on June 3, Times spokeswoman Nancy Sullivan told TheWrap.

The closure will result in layoffs, Sullivan said, but she declined to say how many people would lose their jobs.

In a letter to Times employees, obtained by TheWrap, COO Kathy Thomson thanked staff for their work on the publication, but implied that a changing economy prevented the magazine from continuing.

"Many of you have been involved in the various incarnations of The Times' Sunday magazine - it has taken on several different titles and wonderful forms over the years," Thomson wrote.

"However, the entire magazine industry has been faced with a very challenging environment. We are not immune to the challenges and have made the decision that LA, Los Angeles Times Magazine will publish its final issue on June 3rd."

The Times' Sunday magazine has appeared under different titles over the years, and the paper has endured periods without a magazine. Its current incarnation was launched in July of 2008.

In the staff memo, Thomson wrote that in place of the magazine, the Times was planning to develop a new special quarterly publication focused on luxury, design, fashion and style.

"The publication will highlight seasonal trends and occasions with print, digital and mobile iterations intended to further enhance our feature coverage and deepen our connection with our members and advertising partners," Thomson wrote.

The full text of the letter can be seen at http://www.thewrap.com/media/column-post/los-angeles-times-shutting-down-magazine-layoffs-expected-40011. - TheWrap.com

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