UPDATE: Bauer has confirmed that CLEO magazine will close.
The final addition of the magazine will go on sale on February 22.
In a statement, the interim CEO of Bauer confirmed:
“Scale, engagement and a robust digital strategy are key to our success and we believe we have a compelling offer in Dolly and Cosmopolitan to lead our young women’s portfolio into the future.
“Our investment plans for Dolly will see us take a digital first approach, with a focus on mobile video, social media and e-commerce supported by restructured print and digital editorial teams to ensure we are generating the best in market content for consumers; when and how they want it.
“Our always on approach will be complimented by a new look print product, taking Dolly from monthly to bi-monthly, relaunching as a high quality, valued-packed companion to the digital and social platforms, covering major trends, fashion, beauty and issues affecting young women today.
“Bauer Media is committed to the Australian market and creating the most viable and effective portfolio of brands that connect with Australian women – be it online, in magazine or through live events.”
Mamamia previously reported:
It’s been 44 years since CLEO magazine first hit news-stands in 1972.
The brainchild of Ita Buttrose and Kerry Packer, and modeled after Cosmopolitan (owned by a competitor at the time), CLEO was a groundbreaking addition to the women’s media landscape. It provided a modern alternative, speaking to Australian women about more than recipes and royal births.
In spite of its impressive history, the iconic women’s magazine has struggled to find a readership in recent years, declining more than 20 percent at the end of last year.
News broke today that the iconic publication will soon close its doors forever. Mumbrella reports that while we can still expect a February release, CLEO will be a thing of the past by Easter.
But a statement from Bauer provided to Fairfax media called the media reports “pure speculation”, saying that no announcement about was expected in the “near future”. The publication’s publisher is reportedly overseas, but comment has been sought from Cleo’s current editor. Former staff have reflected that Bauer has previously called imminent closures “speculation”, only to officially announce closures the following week.
Former editors of the magazine have responded to Cleo’s closing today and have hailed the magazine for it’s contribution to women’s media.
Mia Freedman, former editor of Cosmopolitan and editor-chief of Cosmo, CLEO and Dolly has said:
Top Comments
'edition', not 'addition'!
While I never read Cleo (shock) I do remember growing up as a kid loving magazines (mostly Golf or Computer mags, what a geek). I would count down the days until the next issue came out and every time mum went down the street remind her to look for the latest issue. Most of these no longer exist, killed by the internet, it's not quite the same.