Reader’s Digest UK, to close after 86 years in business

AFTER 86 years of operating, “Reader’s Digest” has decided to shut down its United Kingdom Edition. 

This follows the announcement of their editor-in-chief Eva Mackevic, in a letter posted on their website last May 3rd.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Reader’s Digest UK coming to a close,” the letter read.

“This magazine carries a profound legacy, holding special memories for so many — whether it adorned our parents’ coffee tables or served as a gateway to the English language for those abroad. Its closure marks the end of an era that is deeply felt.”

Mackevic continued to give thanks to every subscriber to the magazine, with each story they’d shared weaving a beautiful tapestry representing the human experience. 

She continued on to explain that while the magazine will no longer be making new publications, they are in the process of digitizing as many editions of their back catalog as possible, so as to be able to share it with their beloved subscribers.

As per Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette, Mackevic posted on Linkedin that the company closed due to financial pressures brought on by today’s “unforgiving” magazine publishing landscape. Before this, Reader’s Digest Canada shut down as well.

Last year, Reader’s Digest Asia also started publishing bimonthly instead of monthly as a means of cutting costs.

Reader’s Digest, originating in the US, has been around since 1922, as founded by DeWitt Wallace and his wife, Lila Acheson. It later published its first-ever international edition in the UK in 1938, and then came to Southeast Asia in 1965.

Since then, it’s grown to become one of the most popular magazines of all time and has featured stars like Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams, and Tom Cruise on their covers. In the Philippines, the likes of Vice Ganda and AlDub have been featured as well.

The announcement of Reader’s Digest UK closing has been heartbreaking for many, with thousands coming to the internet to share their memories with the publication. 

Reader’s Digest in the PH

In the Philippines, Reader’s Digest is still going strong, with events such as the Trusted Brands Awards 2024 being some of the most important ones in the country. 

They also just released their February / March issue, which is available both in stores and online. The Reader’s Digest Asia subscription is also available for purchase, starting at USD 51.80 or PHP 2, 968 for their print subscription.

Many Filipinos have talked about how the magazine has been a big part of their lives, with people on social media platforms like X talking about how they or their family would collect Reader’s Digest magazines as they couldn’t afford monthly subscriptions. 

Instead of going out with their friends, they would instead stay at home as their parents read the magazines to them.

Many have also stated that Reader’s Digest is one of the magazines that shaped them to be who they are today.

Gordon Young, the Editor-in-Chief of The Drum, has also called to attention how the closure of Reader’s Digest UK is a painful reminder that even giants in the industry are no longer safe.