By Najia McLean
AFRO Intern
Vibe Magazine is shutting its doors after
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(July 1, 2009) - Vibe magazine, one of the best-known urban magazines targeting to the hip-hop and R&B generation, is ceasing publication immediately after 16 years, Steve Aaron, Vibe Media Group's chief executive officer, announced Tuesday.
The magazine, founded by Quincy Jones and Time Warner Group in 1993, has had many successes over the years.
In 2002, Vibe earned the National Magazine Award for General Excellence, a rarity for a magazine geared toward a multicultural audiences. The magazine also published books geared toward the hip-hop community.
In addition, the magazine also published a spin-off magazine, Vibe Vixen for their female audience from 2004-2007 and has a produced a popular award show since 2003.
After being acquired by The Wicks Group, a New York private equity firm in 2006, the magazine has reduced its circulation and publication frequency, cut salaries and moved its staff to a four day a week work schedule to save money. Vibe reported a circulation of 817,825 as of Dec. 31, down from 894,951 the previous year, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation.
However, there seems to be some hope for the magazine to continue as EbonyJet.com reports Quincy Jones intends to buy back the magazine and make the transition to an online publication.
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