The UK edition of Reader’s Digest ceases publication, ending an 86-year legacy in the wake of industry challenges and a shift towards digital consumption.
The UK edition of Reader’s Digest has ceased publication after 86 years, marking the end of its presence in British homes and waiting rooms. Known for its varied content, including notable sections like “Laughter: the Best Medicine,” the magazine has been a fixture in the publishing landscape since its inception.
Olly Mann, a former columnist for Reader’s Digest, noted his surprise at the magazine’s closure and shared a memorable interaction with a rabbi who was influenced by one of his columns, highlighting the publication’s broad reach and impact on its readers.
The closure reflects broader challenges within the magazine industry, primarily due to declining sales and the shift towards digital media. Despite the publication’s struggle to adapt to changing media consumption habits, it leaves behind a legacy cherished by many of its readers.
Fans of Reader’s Digest, such as Chris Merriman and Sally Orman-Chan, recall the magazine as not only a source of entertainment and learning but also as a key part of their family traditions and childhood memories.
With the UK edition now discontinued, the magazine’s cultural and educational contributions, along with its role in family rituals, continue to be fondly remembered by its readers.