For the last time, the feminist magazine Chat arrives on newsstands and in the mailboxes of its subscribers, Wednesday September 27. The October issue, with Keiona, the winner of season 2 of the show “Drag Race France” on the cover, will be the last printed issue of the media created in 2009. Because Chatbimonthly which became monthly in 2011, is preparing to change its habits in the coming weeks: the management of the media has chosen to stop its paper publication and move to “100% digital” with a paid site.
The explosion in the price of paper and energy, which has affected the entire press since the start of 2022, will have taken its toll on the physical version of the offbeat magazine of information, reports, and ideas. The addition would amount to an additional 150,000 euros since September 2022. Contacted, Laurent Cotillon, executive director of the editorial offices of the Hildegarde group (also owner of French movie and of First), refuses to reveal what percentage of its operating costs this increase represents for the company Causette Media.
Management simply insists that this is an additional cost “untenable”. “We must review our economic model and eliminate the heaviest costs: paper, printing and postage, which have seen increases that can exceed 100% for some”lists the press release addressed to readers with the latest issue.
“It was not reasonable”
The IPG qualification, authenticating the publication’s character as a political and general press organ, enabled it to Chat to receive 89,134 euros in press aid from the State in 2022, but is not enough. The magazine launched a support campaign online. Wishing to depend as little as possible on advertisers to combat the stereotypes conveyed by advertising, the economic model of Chat is based on its sales and subscriptions. Advertising represents around 10% of its turnover.
“We have a pang in our hearts, because we care about the paper, but it was not reasonable. This would weaken us economically”indicates Christine Turk, the new editorial and digital director, since August, of Chatof French movie and of First. The complexity of kiosk distribution since the Covid era has also weighed.
“ Today, the habits of our readers have changed. They are deserting the paper press, but are ready to pay digital subscriptions for quality online press”assures Mme Turk, wanting to see “a courageous opportunity” in this major change for Chat. A launch digital subscription plan is offered for 4.99 euros per month, which provides access to the media’s articles, its online archives, newsletters, as well as a free month for the media platform. streaming Inclusiv.tv, co-founded by former socialist minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem. Chat also plans to offer content on the social networks TikTok and Snapchat to win over young people.
You have 37% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.