Rolling Stone Magazine is now completely free. In order to keep up with the popularity of the internet, print media publications are doing all they can in order to stay afloat.
Rolling Stone announced readers will now have full access to digital copies of the magazine online, for free.
"As you may have noticed, the enormous third installment of our fortieth anniversary issues is now on newsstands," Rolling Stone said. "But you're at work, and you can't kick back and read the magazine at your desk without your boss making an example of you in front of your co-workers. Well, now you can. Rolling Stone is pleased to present our very first 'digital edition' of the issue. Now you can read the entire issue page-to-page, cover-to-cover, without looking like a slacker at your job. So downsize the spreadsheets and flip through new interviews from Bono, Bill Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, twenty-one of the biggest indie-rock stars and many more."
With a continuing decline in subscription of most printed media, this may very well be some thing we can continue to see in the future.
Rolling Stone Magazine Now Free
Entire Issue Available Online
Trend Themes
1. Digitalization of Print Media - Rolling Stone Magazine's decision to offer free access to digital copies highlights the trend of print media adapting to the popularity of the internet.
2. Increased Focus on Online Distribution - The move by Rolling Stone Magazine to make the entire issue available online emphasizes the trend of print media publications embracing online distribution channels.
3. Decline of Subscription-based Models - The continuing decline in print media subscriptions suggests a trend of magazines exploring alternative approaches to monetization, such as providing content for free.
Industry Implications
1. Print Media - The disruption in the print media industry caused by the digitalization of content presents opportunities for magazines to explore innovative business models and distribution strategies to attract and retain readers.
2. Digital Publishing - The increased focus on online distribution by print media publications like Rolling Stone Magazine creates disruptive innovation opportunities for digital publishing platforms and service providers.
3. Online Advertising - The decline in subscription-based models for print media opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the online advertising industry as magazines seek alternative revenue streams through digital platforms.