Arkansas Life, the monthly magazine published by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since 2008, has staved off extinction for the time being.
Following a multi-week plea for new paid subscribers, the publication announced on Friday that it will continue to print as a “hybrid print-and-digital publication.” According to Lynn Hamilton, president of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1,033 people paid $20 for a year-long subscription of Arkansas Life.
The addition of 1,033 subscribers translates to approximately $20,660 in additional revenue for the year. As a result, the publication has announced that it will appear in print on a quarterly basis.
“I’m happy for them and the support they were able to receive,” said Heather Baker, publisher of About You Magazine. “They clearly have some support, with a modest shot in the arm of $20,000. But I can’t help but wonder whether or not those who paid $20 for a year subscription expected to receive a physical monthly magazine since they will only be printing four issues a year. A subscription to AY, About You Magazine, is only $20 a year, and for that, you will receive 12 mailed copies of the state’s largest lifestyle publication.”
According to Hamilton, the new subscribers push Arkansas Life’s total paid circulation to about 4,500. The total monthly distribution is approximately 24,000.
“Printing and distributing magazines is expensive,” said Baker. “About $20,000 doesn’t go a long way in that regard.”
READ MORE: Arkansas Life Magazine to Shut Down Without More Subscribers