Issue February 2013 - Reader's Digest (2024)

FAQs

Why is Reader's Digest ending? ›

The decline of print media has been precipitous in the digital age, with many publications transitioning to online formats or ceasing operations altogether. Reader's Digest, too, faced these industry headwinds, which were marked by declining subscriptions and advertising revenue.

The magazine ceased publication after 86 years in April 2024.

As it gained prominence, Reader's Digest drew criticism. Despite the publication's determination to celebrate individual freedoms, it was accused of being nothing more than state propaganda. There were claims of CIA funding and editorial control, especially in its foreign editions in Latin America.

Today, on the cusp of our 100th birthday, we continue to curate the very best and most engaging content for our readers, both print and digital. Reader's Digest shares trusted advice and stories to help you and your family enjoy healthy, wealthy, and wise lives.

However, over the last 30 years, it struggled to keep pace with technological shifts and changing consumer tastes. In its glory days, Reader's Digest was omnipresent, its condensed articles captivating readers everywhere. But with the advent of the internet, its audience dwindled.

By Gordon Young, Editor-in-Chief

The recent announcement that Reader's Digest UK will cease its print operations after 86 years is more than just the end of a magazine; it's a dramatic example of what happens when companies fail to adapt quickly in a world of relentless change.

Trusted Media Brands, Inc.

(TMBI), formerly known as the Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

“Unfortunately, the company just couldn't withstand the financial pressures of today's unforgiving magazine publishing landscape and has ceased to trade.”

I've collected just about every classical Readers Digest there is. Some of them are of audiophile quality and quite collectible. A few are even worth a few bucks. Few of them are considered rare as they can be found at just about every thrift store in America.

The Wallace Foundation grew out of the philanthropy of DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace, who founded Reader's Digest in 1922. The success of their "little magazine" enabled the Wallaces to provide generous support to an array of efforts in the arts, education, and programs for young people.

Is Readers Digest a good read? ›

Reader's Digest has been so good for our oldest and the survival stories are great. The jokes are fun and everyone loves the issues but we haven't gotten in a while and Amazon stops sending it. Thanks for the good reads over the years!

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With digital access, you can read the latest issue of Reader's Digest anytime, anywhere! Plus, you can quickly access your past issues online, too.

Succumbed to financial pressures

“Whilst, sadly, we can't continue with the ongoing publication of Reader's Digest, we're currently digitising as many editions of our back catalogue as possible to share with our valued subscribers as a way to enjoy the memories,” Mackevic wrote.

With the deal, Ripplewood adds to its investments in media, where buyout firms are increasingly active. Ripplewood said the price represents a premium of 23 percent over the average closing price of Reader's Digest shares in the 45 trading days leading up to Wednesday.

For subscriptions and product questions, change of address, payments, and more: Visit our online customer care center or you can email us at customercare@rd.com. To update your email preferences, please visit our online preference center.

The April 2024 print edition of Reader's Digest Canada was its last. Founded in 1947, 25 years after the original U.S. publication, Reader's Digest Canada brought a focus to Canadian stories and became a national treasure for more than 70 years.

The investor group is led by buyout firm Ripplewood Holdings, which agreed to pay $17 per share for Reader's Digest. With the deal, Ripplewood adds to its investments in media, where buyout firms are increasingly active.

THE READERS DIGEST has been closed. Following is that sad news along with a symbolic video presentation, which appeared with a note by the its editor in chief also on International Book Day. Some of the images are fabulous. As of April 30, 2024, Reader's Digest UK has ceased publishing its print edition after 86 years.