Focus on the Family ceases publication of teen magazines Brio, Brio and Beyond, and Breakway

It's a tough time for any publisher, with newspapers and magazines facing major layoffs and in many cases closing down. No one is immune. We live in a new era when facebook and myspace are where people turn to for pop culture and music news, not a once a month magazine. Also, if you take a look at the average magazine rack at Wal-Mart or your local grocery store, there's almost too many magazines available these days, and only the strongest can survive this harsh economic time. It's no surprise to me that these three mags are folding because the market is just not big enough to support them. Think about it: if there are 20 million teens in America, how many of those want to read about Jeremy Camp and Krystal Meyers in a monthly magazine that they have to pay for? Chances are those teens are more concerned about the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, and other secular stars. When I went to a Christian grad school and got a Master's in Journalism, my uncle told me, "If you just write about Christian music, you limit yourself. Don't do that." I did that, and I couldn't make money doing it. So I am changing course with my own career. In a perfect world, mags like Breakaway and CCM and others would flourish, but this is a horrible, fallen world with its priorities mixed up. People throw millions at Britney, Lindsay, Paris and others, while the market for Christian music is miniscule, just tiny, tiny, tiny. Sad, really, but true. Now I've got to go, I've got to get back on facebook.

Insider, I'm sure it totally had to do with budgets. FOF, like most ministries, has seen a decline in their donations. Stuff has to go, and for whatever reason it was the teen mags. I know they're looking for another ministry to pick them up. And yes, they were about much, much more than music. Music and lifestyle and sports and faith and more.

Thanks!
Joanne
host of the GS blog

That is an excellent point, Jen. And it's not a rumor. It's a fact. I spoke to two editors that I wrote for at both magazines, so indeed, both are done. Like I said, Focus was trying to find another ministry to pick up the magazines so that may be in the works and they've found a way to keep them going. Definitely check with them before renewing and let me know what you find out!

Joanne
host of the GS blog

Man, this stinks. I am 13 and I get breakaway, and I will Miss it!!!

If I understand things, the problem, unfortunately, is there just isn't enough money to pay for it all. Like every business and ministry, the money coming in is much less than the money going out. Most people don't understand the incredible expense of putting together a magazine. The subscription costs basically pay for postage. What pays for the staff, articles, printing, etc. are advertising, or in the case of ministries, donations.

Last I heard Focus was looking for another ministry to pick up the teen magazines, so hopefully that'll happen. I have written for both magazines and was disappointed to hear they were folding. They were great places for writers like me and the staff was incredible to work with.

Joanne
host of the GS blog

I would have paid more for the magazine. I hope that this magazine will have a rebirth. With all of the trash magazines out there, my daughter really benefited from this magazine. Brio was/is a GREAT publication for young teens. I really hope it is offered again in the near future. My dauther was really disappointed! As was I.

Take care,
Donna

I absolutely loved getting Brio and Beyond and would run to the mailbox everyday after to school, waiting for the next issue. Then I got the issue... the one where they said that there will be no more Brio! I held it in my hands, scared to open it for an hour! Brio has always been my favorite magazine. It combined all the things a teenage girl loves (fashion, guys, etc.) and God. I'm so disappointed to see it go...

when I called to renew they said they would refund for magazines paid for but not recieved.

I know there are more important things to worry about with the country in a recession, but i hate it that Brio got shut down! This magazine was soo insiteful and it helped me with my relationship with God...i can't even put it into words. I'll miss it, but thanks for all y'all did (Brio) when it was up and running!

I know, I was so disappointed! BRIO is a huge encouragement to me, and you're right that there is nothing to turn to now.