BY IOANNA OPIDEE 
December 14, 2011

The number of magazines launched in 2011 jumped 23.8 percent, from 193 to 239, compared to 2010, according to magazine database Mediafinder.com. Meanwhile, the number of closures fell 13.6 percent, from 176 in 2010 to 152 this year.

Like last year, the food category saw the biggest gains, with 25 new titles joining the 28 from last year. Also like last year, regional magazines followed with the second-highest number of launches, at 20, though the category also saw the largest number of closures, with 21 titles folding. Bridal publications took the second-biggest hit, with 19 titles shuttered, including regional editions of Condé Nast’s Brides as well as Atlanta, Georgia-based Get Married.

The b-to-b sector appears to have seen a much healthier 2011, with 62 new titles expanding the segment, compared to just 34 in 2010. Last year, b-to-b saw more magazines fold than launch, with 47 closures in 2010 compared to 38 this year.

High -profile launches this year include crossover brands such as Hearst’s HGTV Magazine, an offshoot of the television network, and Condé Nast’s Style.com/Print, an extension of a formerly-standalone website.

http://www.foliomag.com/2011/magazine-launches-23-8-percent-2011