Following the closure of their parent company, independent Scottish culture magazine ‘The Skinny’ is due to close.
The Edinburgh based Independent culture magazine ‘The Skinny’ has announced that their September edition is due to be their last. After twenty years of publishing and over 200 issues printed, their parent company ‘Radge Media CIC’ is ceasing operations, leading to the closure of not only ‘The Skinny’ but their associated magazines, ‘GNAW’ and ‘Fest’
The magazine cited many attributions to their closure including the cost-of-living crisis as well as a lack of funding across the journalism sector, most especially in the print medium.
Sharing in their Instagram announcement yesterday, the magazines team touched on the importance of the coverage of culture and independent journalism:
“This may be the end for The Skinny, but it’s not the end of what we believe in: the power of independent journalism, the value of art and creativity, and the importance of print media”
A hub for all things Scottish music, art, theatre and film, the magazine was beloved by many in the community. Made clear by the abundance of support shared below their post- many of which came from local businesses and creatives such as Capital Theatres, the official Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Royal Scottish Academy and the Filmhouse- a local Edinburgh establishment that faced similar financial issues back in 2022, before reopening due to funders help in June of 2025. This was capable “in part thanks” to the magazine’s support and coverage of them.
While this is disappointing for the team at ‘The Skinny’ and many creatives, the magazine aims to encourage the appreciation for the arts, despite their absence, sharing:
“Even in dark times, there is still a wealth of vibrant, creative and exciting art being created across Scotland, and dozens of scenes and movements worth championing. That drive and spirit has inspired and invigorated us at The Skinny so many times over the years- let’s all do what we can to help that continue…”
This is especially poignant, as the most recent issue of the magazine focuses on the continuous financial issues affecting the creative sector of Scotland. However, this has sparked positive interest in locals regarding funding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdGrsq9iI0s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
