Skateboarder Magazine killed most of its print circulation
to try a digital-first approach in May, but the experiment was short-lived. The
49-year-old title, operated by Source Interlink Media's enthusiast GrindMedia
division, is ceasing regular publication after the release of its current
issue. All platforms will be shut down by October 15. Norb Garrett, senior vice
president and group publisher at GrindMedia, explained the rationale for the
decision in a video on the brand's website. Garrett blames the skateboarding
market rather than the performance of the digital magazine itself.
Despite the challenges posed by the industry however,
GrindMedia will continue to publish TransWorld Skateboarding. Garrett hinted at
the possibility of special collaborative projects between the two titles in the
future. It's the third time Skateboarder Magazine has shut down—once in late
1960s before coming back in 1975, and then again in the 1980s before returning
in 1999.
