Bauer Media has announced the closure of Zoo Weekly magazine and its companion website as a result of “tough retail conditions”.
After pulling out of the ABC in May, Bauer denied any speculation that it was resigning from the audit due to the title's falling sales and controversial nature.
But today, Bauer Media CEO David Goodchild said the retail market had led to the decision to close the title.
“With tough retail conditions in the men’s market, Bauer has made the call to close Zoo’s operations,” Goodchild said.
“I would like to thank the teams here at Bauer, as well as the advertisers and retailers who have supported the brand.”
The magazine's final edition will go on sale on 12 October with the closure of all of the Zoo Weekly magazine assets – across print, website and social media – to take effect on that date.
Zoo Weekly had been the subject of recent controversy with the title coming under fire from a change.org petition asking Coles and Woolworths to stop selling it. Coles withdrew the title from sale late last month.
It also resigned from the ABC audit in May but denied speculation that it was due to the title's falling sales and controversial nature.
Bauer associate publisher, men's and specialist Ewen Page thanked staff for the contribution to the magazine.
“It is not an easy decision to close a magazine and we have certainly considered all options before coming to this conclusion,” he said.
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