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Complex magazine to close print edition

By | Published on Thursday 8 December 2016

Complex

American pop culture magazine Complex is to cease publishing its print edition, according to various sources at the media firm cited by Billboard. The magazine, which first launched in 2002, is particularly known for covering urban music and culture.

The flagship Complex print mag has long been a small part of the wider media business that spun out of the title, which operates numerous other websites it launched or acquired, in addition to the Complex-branded online operation that also includes a UK site. Earlier this year that company became a subsidiary of a new joint venture between media firm Hearst and internet service provider Verizon.

It’s thought that closing down the print title will result in some job losses in the Complex sales, marketing and art departments, and a small number of editorial roles will go too. Though in a non-committal statement, the media firm implied that while there may be job losses amongst the team linked to its former print operation, there will be hires in its expanding video-content business, which is seemingly now the priority.

The firm told Billboard: “As Complex embarks on a rapid expansion of premium video creation across the company’s networks and with a growing list of distribution partners, the company is reallocating certain positions to address its content needs. We’re deeply committed to the ongoing evolution of our brand and our long-term plan to be a leader in digital video entertainment. While we’re reducing staff in some areas, we plan to increase to meet our needs in others”.



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