MUSCLEMAG Out Of Business

MUSCLEMAG closed and out of business? It’s the biggest news in the bodybuilding and fitness industry right now, and one that will completely change the face of Canadian publishing for years to come. The man who first broke this story was Isaac Hinds (a.k.a. Musclephone) who tweeted a link to a story posted by Getbig.com founder Ron Avidan who posted: 

"Oxygen, MuscleMag, Reps are in the process of declaring bankruptcy and all of employees have been sent home. Business for these magazines are over, and as of right now, no more issues coming out, as the printer is owed thousands, and halted everything. Sad to see the end of an era in the publishing world."

We then saw the following posted by MUSCLEMAG's Bill Geiger on facebook:

"Bad news folks: Canusa/Robert Kennedy Pubs which produces MuscleMag and Oxygen has gone out of business. Closed its doors. It was great working all the great people on staff and athletes out there. Hope I land on my feet." - Bill Geiger 

Bill was quoted on Rxmuscle.com later on to say: “I'm sorry for all the talented editors, writers and photographers who have lost their jobs. We had a really great team but publishing as we know it is changing. Sadly the company was saddled with some costs it couldn't shed and ultimately that dragged us down. Hopefully the magazine titles will continue under a new owner after bankruptcy. But for most of us we need to find jobs.”

Last year, MUSCLE INSIDER Publisher Scott Welch was approached by MUSCLEMAG and asked if he was interested in leading their entire online strategy! At this meeting at the MUSCLEMAG head office, senior executives revealed some of the major struggles they faced against rival fitness magazines and websites. In the end, the two parties couldn't come to an agreement on the deal, but it did give us inside information on their situation.

Times Are Changing

It's a shocking and tragic story but one that's destined to continue with other magazines unwilling to embrace the internet and it's ability to deliver time-sensitive news to readers. MUSCLE INSIDER's print magazine is just one way we reach consumers, but a large portion of our thrust is on reaching people like you through our website which is the #1 most visited fitness website in Canada!