Company Magazine ditches print to go online only

The womens’ monthly publication Company Magazine has announced it will become a standalone digital brand from October

The womens’ monthly publication Company Magazine has announced it will become a standalone digital brand from October.

Its publisher Hearst Magazines said that the move will allow Company to focus its editorial efforts “supporting the desires of its 16–24 year-old female audience.”

The Magazine, which is aimed at “street-style-obsessed young British women” saw website traffic to Company.co.uk increase by 46% with return visitors up 99%, while its social traffic soared to 140% over the last six months.

The October 2014 issue of Company magazine will be the last monthly print issue.

Anna Jones, chief executive officer, Hearst Magazines UK said that as a digital brand, Company will be well placed to provide “a unique and dedicated service” to its demographic.

“Company already has a strong social presence across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube and this focus will ensure this audience remains a key part of Hearst’s product portfolio,” she said. “Company Magazine has earned a loyal following since its original launch in 1978 and I’d like to thank the hard-working editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Victoria White, for their continued dedication and passion as we take the brand into this next phase.”

The news comes a few months after BBC announced its plans to close BBC Three as a broadcast TV channel in autumn 2015 moving it to a new and innovative online service.

BBC director-general, Tony Hall said it was the right thing to do for the younger 16-24 year old audience who are the “the most mobile and ready to move to an online world.”

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