Cosmopolitan Australia to close, final issue on sale Oct. 29

The Australian edition of Cosmopolitan will be closing after 45 years of publishing in the country. Its publisher, Bauer Media, announced on Tuesday that the women’s magazine’s December 2018 would be its last and which would be on sale from Oct. 29.

“Today, Bauer Media announced the closure of the Cosmopolitan brand in Australia, with the December issue being the last. It has not been an easy decision to make, however, the commercial viability of the magazine in Australia is no longer sustainable,” Bauer Media ANZ CEO Paul Dykzeul said.

“Magazine closures are never easy, desirable or done without careful consideration for all of those involved. We have to ensure that we are continually reshaping and defining the business so that our readers of today, and those of tomorrow, remain engaged with the content we publish and the platforms upon which we deliver.

“We are incredibly proud of the brand and the people who have been involved and represented over the last 45 years. It has helped to launch the careers of media personalities, supported great brands and causes, and inspired millions of young women across the country.”

Dykzeul continued, “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the brand and its legacy over the years.”

Existing Cosmopolitan magazine subscribers will receive a letter from Bauer Media in the coming weeks to give them options. They can transfer the unused portion of their subscription to other Bauer titles or receive a refund if applicable.

Often referred to as Cosmo, the magazine was first published in 1886 as a fiction magazine. It included writings by different authors, including HG Wells, whose “The War of the Worlds” sci-fi was first serialised by Cosmopolitan in the US.

In 1965, Helen Gurley Brown became chief editor and re-invented the magazine as one for modern, single, career woman. The Australian edition was one of the magazine’s more than 60 international editions.

Another former Australian women’s magazine, Cleo, published its final issue in March 2016. And earlier this year, the local edition of Rolling Stone closed as well.