End of an era: Reader’s Digest UK closes after 86 years

Reader’s Digest has closed its doors after 86 years amid ‘financial pressures’.

The first international edition of Reader’s Digest was published in the UK in 1938.

Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Eva Mackevic broke the news to the millions of readers on her LinkedIn page just recently.

“After 86 wonderful years, I am very sad to share that Reader’s Digest UK has come to an end,” Mackevic wrote.

Mackevic added the magazine, founded in 1922 by DeWitt Wallace and Lila Wallace in the US, was strained financially.

“Unfortunately, the company just couldn’t withstand the financial pressures of today’s unforgiving magazine publishing landscape and has ceased to trade,” Mackevic explained.

She provided reassurance to writers awaiting overdue payments, stating that the issue was under investigation.

“I’ve been assured that the insolvency practitioners are working to communicate with everyone about the next steps. I sincerely hope this process goes smoothly and swiftly for you.”

The news has left many diehard RD fans heartbroken.

Reader’s Digest quickly rose to prominence during the 1920s following its establishment in New York.

By the year 1929, the magazine boasted 290,000 subscribers and generated a yearly gross income of USD 900,000.

By Reader’s Digest’s 40th anniversary, it had expanded to encompass 40 international editions across 13 languages, including Braille.

At its peak, RD held the distinction of being the most widely circulated publication in China, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Peru, and various other countries, boasting a combined international circulation of 23 million.