It’s the end of an era. Harris Publications, formerly the home of XXL magazine, is shutting down.
Reports FOLIO:
New York-based enthusiast publisher Harris Publications notified employees today that the company is shutting down, effective immediately, after nearly four decades.
Founded in 1977, Harris published a wide variety of special interest magazines over the years, including newsstand mainstays SLAM, Guitar World, XXL, King, Revolver, and Woman. At the time of its closure, the company’s portfolio included Naturally, Danny Seo; Great Backyards; Celebrity Hairstyles; Juicy; Rides; Who’s Who in Baseball; and Guns & Weapons, among several others.
“The magazine publishing industry has been through turmoil in the face of the rapid ascendance of digital media, changing consumer content preferences, magazine wholesaler struggles and consolidation in the supply chain,” read an official company statement obtained by Folio:. “We have tried mightily to persevere against these forces, but have been unable to overcome these challenges.”
Many a noted writer in the Hip-Hop space, including the author of this post, cut their teeth at Harris publications titles.
In September 2014, XXL was purchased by Townsquare Media from Harris, and though initially it was to become strictly an online entity, it continues to publish a magazine quarterly.
Shout out to the late SCRATCH magazine, too.
Rest in peace.
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Photo: Harris Publications
