Company magazine to go digital-only

Hearst Magazines UK has announced that women’s glossy Company is to become a standalone digital brand from October 2014.

In an effort to “support the desires” of its 16-24 year old female audience, the monthly printed magazine, which launched in 1978, will move wholly online where traffic has increased 46% over the past six months.

The news comes a day before the Consumer ABCs are released, which report six-monthly circulation figures of magazine titles across the UK. Last period’s reported figures revealed that the magazine’s average monthly circulation decreased -31.8% year on year – a loss of 41,000 copies and the biggest decline of any women’s lifestyle magazine during the period.

“As a standalone digital brand, Company is well placed to provide a unique and dedicated service to this dynamic 16-24 old female demographic,” said Anna Jones, chief executive officer, Hearst Magazines UK.

“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.

“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 October 2014 issue will go on sale on 5 September and will be the last monthly print issue.