CTI Shuts Down 4 Titles, Lays Off 30-Plus Staff
New publishing realities force not-for-profit to focus ever more fully on its core.
By Graphic Arts Online Staff -- Graphic Arts Online, June 22, 2009
CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS, Friday, May 22, 2009 — Christianity Today International (CTI) today announced the closing of four publications and the laying-off of 30 employees. To be shut down over the coming months are Today's Christian Woman magazine, the Campus Life College Guide, the Christian history bulletin insert Glimpses, and the Church Office Today bimonthly newsletter.
"Needless to say, we are profoundly saddened by these necessary decisions," said Harold Smith, President and Publisher. "The impact on employees who are truly gifted—and the impact on the church as a whole—is a sobering reality for me and the entire CTI team that remains."
These latest cutbacks follow similar moves made in January, when a total of three periodicals—Ignite Your Faith (formerly Campus Life), Marriage Partnership, and Today's Christian magazines either ceased publication or, in the case of TC, was sold.
"We find ourselves—as does our industry—in the midst of a perfect publishing storm," says Smith. "Nevertheless, we're grateful to God for the continuing strength of our core periodicals—namely, Christianity Today and Leadership journal. These iconic brands," continued Smith, "along with the myriad web properties tied to them, will once again point the way for this ministry in the days, months, and years to come."
Christianity Today magazine and ministry were founded in 1956 by evangelist Billy Graham.
"Dr Graham envisioned," said Smith, "a ministry that could engage, encourage, and equip pastors, church leaders, thought leaders, academicians, and culture makers through the creation of quality content that is journalistically excellent. Accurately reported, creatively presented, fair minded, intellectually sound, theologically orthodox, irenic, clear, accessible.
"Today," Smith continued, "that call remains the missional bedrock of this ministry. And we will, under God's continuing direction, build upon this solid foundation for the strengthening of Christ's church and to the glory of God alone." Christianity Today International publishes 9 print magazines and newsletters and operates an award-winning website reaching more than 2.5-million unique visitors monthly.
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