Axed, Phil Barker
Axed, Phil Barker
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Axed
Who Killed Australian Magazines?

Author: Phil Barker

Narrator: Phil Barker

Unabridged: 6 hr 20 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/31/2022


Synopsis

Axed charts the dramatic decline of the magazine industry in Australia from the million-selling highs of the 1990s to the recent round of mergers, closures and mass-redundancies. What went wrong?

Australian magazines once boasted the highest circulation per capita in the world. Former magazine editor Phil Barker follows the story from this golden age to today, showing how mismanagement, unchecked spending and the challenge presented by the rise of the internet all combined to undermine the previously unassailable position magazines held in the Australian consciousness.

Prominent magazine executives and editors who witnessed the industry’s decline and failure to capitalise on digital opportunities have gone on the record for the first time. Featuring in-depth analysis of archival reporting and brand-new interviews with key players, Axed lifts the lid on the scandals behind the industry’s swan dive.

But Phil also talks to the people who have managed to pivot in a fast-moving media landscape and believe magazines are a part of Australia’s future. Are magazines really dead, or is there still some hope for survival?

Reviews

Goodreads review by Toni on August 22, 2022

3.5 stars. I used to adore magazines and bought Dolly and Girlfriend from 12 years old and then Cosmo and Cleo (which was my favourite) from 16 and finally graduated to Elle, Instyle, etc. in my early 20's. I waited with anticipation for each issue to hit the news stands. This was the 1990's and pre......more

Goodreads review by Manda on September 15, 2023

As someone who worked parallel to the magazine industry, I find the whole thing fascinating, if ultimately frustrating and sad. The vandalism of magazine journalism by vulture capital groups, as well as certain European publishing companies, will go down in history as a one of the fundamental reason......more

Goodreads review by Kanako on August 27, 2022

A fascinating yet terrifying look into the rise and fall of ‘bloids or tabs.......more