[URBAN NOTE] On the imminent demise of Xtra! as a print publication

[rfmcdonald]

I was shocked to find out yesterday via blogTO that Xtra!, the free biweekly newspaper that has been the dominant feature in Toronto's LGBT media scene--Canada's, even--will be stopping print publication in favour of a wholly online presence. CBC outlines the immediate causes.

Xtra, the iconic gay and lesbian newspaper in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, announced on Wednesday it would be folding its print offerings.

The free weekly paper will transition to an enhanced digital offering, according to its publisher, Pink Triangle Press. It said getting out of the newspaper business is part of a strategic repositioning, which aims at financial stability not found in print publishing.

The paper first hit the streets in February 1984. It highlighted local political issues, celebrated queer art and emphasized a community involvement in the gay, lesbian and trans community.

Its website, DailyXtra.com, and gay adult dating website, Squirt.org, will expand this mission, according to Ken Popert, executive director and president of Pink Triangle Press. The new digital expansion will feature more social networking, including dating technology.

“Most of our revenues already come through digital membership sales in the adult dating space, where we’ve had great success building a growing online community,” he said.

The Winnipeg Free Press, meanwhile, hosts Linda Nguyen's Canadian Press article noting the broader issue of the declining print media scene in Canada.

This isn't the first time Pink Triangle Press has shut down one of its publications. In the spring of 2013, it ceased production of its free, bi-weekly gay magazine, Fab. The closure resulted in the loss of nine jobs in Toronto.

Media companies have been struggling for the past few years to make up for declining ad revenue as more readers go online for their news.

Last November, Torstar Corp. (TSX:TS.B) shuttered the digital operations at its Metro brand in seven cities where it no longer produces free daily newspapers. The closure affected the Metro websites in Hamilton, Kitchener, Windsor and London, Ont., as well as Regina, Saskatoon and Victoria.

In July 2014, Torstar also closed down the award-winning Toronto weekly, The Grid, after three years of publication, blaming low revenue.

First fab then Xtra!? Stating the obvious, this is both sad and not good.