Abstract

The case examines the evolution of the Reader’s Digest magazine since its launch in the early-1920s towards becoming the largest selling magazine in the world by the 1980s. It explores the reasons behind the subsequent reduction in profitability and fall in subscriber base during the mid-1990s. The case examines in detail the restructuring and magazine redesigning efforts undertaken by the company to increase profitability and reach during the early 21st century. It also discusses the future of the magazine in the light of criticisms faced by the company on account of the redesigning initiatives and acquisition of Reiman Publications in 2002.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Reasons for the success and decline of Reader’s Digest Magazine.

Keywords

Evolution, Reader's Digest magazine, 1920, largest selling magazine, 1980, subsequent reduction, profitability, fall in subscriber base, 1990, restructuring, magazine redesigning, increase profitability, Reiman Publications, 2002