Published
Fri, Jan 17, 2020, 14:25
- Changes to the publication owned by The Vinyl Factory and Scott Lapatine's website stirred the independent music journalism industry this week.
This week saw some major changes to the independent music journalism industry.
FACT magazine's executive editor John Twells and managing editor Claire Lobenfeld announced on Tuesday that the publication owned by The Vinyl Factory will no longer be publishing written editorial content. Instead, FACT will be pivoting to video to focus on its current video output, like the Against The Clock series, and developing additional video content. (The magazine's news section is still updating regularly, and it is unclear if FACT's beloved mix series will continue.)
FACT launched in 2003 as a bi-monthly print magazine, which closed in 2008 as the publication focused on its online edition. In addition to being a music publication of its own, The Vinyl Factory is a record label, venue (located in Soho, London) and pressing plant. The company also owns Soho record store Phonica.
Online indie music magazine Stereogum will once again be owned by its founder and editor-in-chief, Billboard reports. After being acquired by Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Media group in 2016, the publication will return ownership to Scott Lapatine, who started the website in 2002, and regain independence.
Earlier this month, much-loved music website Tiny Mix Tapes announced it is going on an indefinite hiatus.