Void Magazine has announced its September issue will be the last one for its high gloss print edition.
Void’s management cited rising print costs, waning advertising and the pandemic as reasons for the magazine’s demise, stating in part:
During the first wave of the pandemic, we were forced to shut down along with so many businesses in the community. We feared it was the end.
Through the support of our community through a crowdfunding campaign, emergency relief from the government along with personal and federal loans we have just barely been able to keep the magazine production afloat over the past year. The funds have run out and advertising sales are not nearly where they were prior to the pandemic.
The team behind the magazine says its near-term focus is a pivot away from publishing: They are working to open Ink Factory Brewery. It’s planned to include an onsite microbrewery, beer and coffee bar, a gallery space and merchandise. Ink Factory Brewing is expected to open at 602 Shetter Ave. in Jacksonville Beach, according to its website, which also includes a rendering that illustrates a remodeled building.
However, the Void brand might yet have a second life in print. Void’s management wrote on Facebook it is working on a “self-funded, more sustainable print model.”
If successful, Void might be able to mount a comeback similar to Folio Weekly 2.0. Like Void, Folio announced its demise during the pandemic and ceased publication.
Folio’s print edition was revived by Jacksonville attorney and current publisher John Phillips. Although Folio is printing once again, the format and frequency has changed, from weekly to monthly.
Editor's Note: WJCT Public Media has hired former Void Editor-In-Chief Matthew Shaw as WJCT’s Arts & Culture Editor. Shaw is overseeing WJCT's Jacksonville Music Experience website, which features local artists, music news and events. It also serves as the primary streaming platform for WJCT’s three HD Radio music channels: Classical 24 89.9-HD2, Anthology 89.9-HD3 and Electro Lounge 89.9-HD4. In addition to HD Radio and the internet, the channels can also be heard in the WJCT app.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
