Friday, April 24, 2009

More Grim News In The 808 For Publishers, Writers & Photographers

Hawaii's massive publishing & advertising industries have been severely hit by the dramatic national economic downturn. Publishers and broadcasters alike are reporting massive losses in advertising revenues, forcing major cuts and layoffs at the state's two largest newspapers, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaiian Style Magazine, a neat, slick publication featuring architectural designs and some of the most interesting dwellings across this state is reportedly no more. I notice the website is still online and no mention of the publication's demise, but I have it on good authority that publisher Doug King has been forced to throw in the towel, like so many other businesses across the country, due to declining advertising revenues and rising printing & distribution costs. Doug was always very fair in his dealing with me and I know many other photographers specializing in architectural photography that will sorely miss both Doug and his magazine.

Hawaii advertising and editorial photographers have long benefitted from the very large number of both visitor-oriented and lifestyle publications produced here... some would argue that in terms of the visitor-oriented publications, there are far too many. It looks like in the months ahead, a major shake-up and shake-out is inevitable and there are bound to be other 'zines sounding the death knoll.

There are also rumors afloat about more layoffs and cut-backs at one of the states largest advertising agencies and remaining staffers being asked to take a mandatory pay cut. 

Without publications and advertisers willing to commission the work of content providers like photographers and writers, along with the declining venues for our work to be published... it is even more important that we all strive to provide our best work whenever the opportunity presents itself. It's getting tougher each day to make a living in this business and clients are now insisting that fees for our work be reduced, more liberal usage rights be granted and less time and money be spent producing the little work being commissioned. No choice now but to hang tough... to 'work" with clients that have shown some sense of loyalty in the past and hope and pray that we all get through this time together. 

No comments: