Bauer Media’s Arena to close after 22 years

Bauer Media’s men’s lifestyle magazine Arena is being “suspended” in a move which could see the loss of 12 jobs.

A four-week staff consultation has begun, which could lead to redundancies in editorial and advertising. The April issue, out next Thursday, will be the last.

The magazine, which launched in 1986, had a circulation of 29,374 according to the latest ABC figures for July to December 2008, a 16.5% year on year increase (see ABC Results Jul-Dec 2008:Shortlist shows staying power in men’s lifestyle sector).

The publisher said in a statement: “Bauer Media has announced that it has reluctantly taken the decision to suspend Arena.

“We will be working with our partners to ensure the continued success of Arena‘s international editions.

“Arena‘s suspension does not affect Homme Plus, which carries on as an icon in the Men’s fashion and style market, edited by Jo-Ann Furniss.

“Following this decision, we have now entered consultations with several members of staff.

“We will be seeking opportunities to redeploy our talented teams in other areas of the group and will not discuss individual employee circumstances until consultation has concluded.”