Magazines were once the heartbeat of pop culture, source of credible information and entertainment. Today, they are few: almost extinct, offering curated content that speaks to a select few and honestly, it’s just tragic. We all need a nostalgic dose every now and then; this time, it shall be our long-lost beloved magazines that were once our cultural trademark.
Disclaimer: Don’t worry, they’re not really extinct but have evolved.
Sounds a little comforting!
I still remember how much my mom and dad adored their magazines. Honestly, at some point, I think we had more magazines piled up in our house than clothes. My parents wished to be magazine collectors—if that’s even a thing. My mom devoured her MAG and SHE magazine issues, and my dad didn’t budge when he had his Akhbar-e-Jahaan or Herald. His world ended when Herald closed down and refers to that day as the “end of an era”. Talk about emotional attachment. But honestly, I don’t think he is wrong here; many magazines seem to be closing down due to a lack of publication budget or public demand. The others have just become exclusive to a very niche audience. Turns out only a select few can access them now. But why?
The Decline of Print and The Changing Media Landscape
Magazines were once the OGs of media and publishing. They shaped public discourse, trends, and knowledge. In the early ‘90s, they were widely accessible and catered to different interests and topics—from politics and fashion to entertainment and investigative journalism. You name it, and it was there. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of the internet. Suddenly, all the content was free and accessible. This changed the needs and wants of the general public regarding print publications; the readership and advertising revenue started declining rapidly. In this phase, many magazines were unable to sustain this massive shift of media consumption. So how did they cope with it? Guess. They either ceased publication or transitioned online. Their dominance and standard? Gone, just like that.
The Evolution of Magazines: Exclusivity in the Digital Age
Magazines have lost their original space in the mass market, but their concept still prevails. Just in a different way. Some have become digital, while others are now status symbols. So that they can sustain their credibility and brand identity all while staying socially relevant. We all still read The New Yorker, HELLO! Magazine and Vogue, just online. This has allowed them to cater to a global audience, all while being exclusive and credible. Simultaneously, the luxurious “Elite” ones have also found a way out. In Pakistan, while mainstream print magazines have declined, niche publications such as Harper’s Bazaar still appeal to select audiences who prefer curated, high-quality print content. Their dedicated audience remains loyal to them. Turns out loyalty wasn’t that hard for us all along. Digital reading will never be able to replicate the tangible reading experience; there, I said it.
Credibility & Authenticity Amidst the Digital Noise
Credibility, you will have to give this one to the magazines. It is one of the most important reasons why magazines will always remain superior, especially in today’s era where the truth is a blur and there is a very thin line between truth and misinformation. On social media, I am always sceptical; they are feeding people masked lies without any consequences. My dad’s WhatsApp-sourced breaking news is a big example. In this era of clickbait journalism and algorithm-driven news feeds, certain well-established magazines still restore our hope in media. Magazines are known to provide in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and fact-checked journalism. That is what makes them stand out in this sea of the often chaotic digital landscape. This is exactly what long-term journalism is: high-quality and well-researched content.
Are They Going Extinct Soon?
Honestly, I don’t think that is happening anytime soon. Magazines remain a bastion of thoughtful journalism despite it all. They are still considered an artistic expression and are sought after due to their credibility, just a little exclusive than it was before. This shift is an evolution, not extinction.
Change always occurs; nothing new in that. It’s all a dynamic environment, but the cheat code is to adapt. That is what has been happening since the beginning of time. Some print publication houses seem to understand that. Yes, it’s not the same as it was before, but the legacy continues, hopefully in the future, too. I am not abandoning my fashion magazines anytime soon, and I know many who think likewise. I was introduced to my forever childhood fashion icon, Iman Ali, only cause of these magazines. How can I ever let them go?