Music Magazine, Blender, is officially closing its doors. The current April issue with American Idol’s Kelly Clarkson will be its last. Blender’s owner, the Alpha Media Group, announced on Thursday. The music and entertainment magazine’s Web site, blender.com, will continue however. “We went as far as we could in a difficult environment,” said an Alpha Media spokeswoman, Nora Haynes. About 30 people will leave the company as a result of the magazine’s closing, she confirmed.
The decision was told to staff this morning. Alpha Media Group’s last remaining magazine is Maxim, which will have its editorial staff integrated for its print and digital employees. CEO Stephen Duggan commented, “Since 2001, Blender has provided unmatched music coverage and entertainment news in its unique voice to a profoundly dedicated audience of music enthusiasts. We are particularly grateful to the sales team and to the tremendously talented editorial staff for their hard work and commitment to Blender.” Blender has featured music reviews, recurring features like “greatest songs ever,” and stories on Ludacris and Radiohead. It was aimed at young men and its covers tended to feature comely female singers, like Fergie and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, in come-hither poses.