Electric Radio dropping from 12 to 6 issues really disappointed me. I've enjoyed electric radio more than QST, honestly, although I still like getting my monthly hard-copy of QST. Despite the current trend, I subscribe to a number of print magazines. As a former military aerospace worker, I enjoy my subscription to Aviation Week and Space Technology. That one's still going strong, but it can buck the trend because it's very much an "insider" publication and not as vulnerable to consumer trends.
73 Magazine, and Ham Radio Horizons, suffered a similar demise, as did Popular Electronics. I'm still holding out hope for Nuts and Volts, but it's getting harder, and they'll need to convince me.
Ham Radio Horizons magazine disappeared because it was merged into its parent publication, Ham Radio magazine, following the December 1979 issue. The magazine, which began in March 1977, was aimed at beginners and those new to the hobby, but its run was cut short by economic challenges facing the publishing company, Communications Technology, Inc.
73 Amateur Radio Today magazine ceased publication in September 2003 after 43 years due to severe financial pressure, primarily driven by dwindling advertising revenue and decreasing subscriptions. Wayne Green, the Publisher, faced unsustainable costs, and the magazine, which once covered technical ham radio topics, saw declining interest.
Electric Radio Magazine transitioned from a monthly (12 issues/year) to a bimonthly (6 issues/year) publication, effective September 2021, primarily due to rising printing and mailing costs. This change was implemented to maintain sustainability as publishing expenses increased. Cost management is important to retain sustainability especially in a niche market.
