Publisher turns last page on magazines

CONTROVERSIAL publisher Mike Hogan’s magazine empire came crashing to earth yesterday with the closure of its remaining four titles, including Magill and In Dublin.

In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Mr Hogan announced the company that publishes the magazines, Ink Publishing Ltd, and its associated publishing companies had ceased trading.

The 12 remaining staff at the company, which has been struggling over the past number of years, were informed of the decision yesterday afternoon. A creditors’ meeting is expected to be held by the end of this month.

The magazine stable once published more than 12 titles but its fortunes began to decline after a newspaper revealed that In Dublin magazine’s primary source of income came from selling advertisements to brothel-keepers. Mr Hogan, subsequently faced criminal proceedings and was fined by the courts.

A close friend of Charles Haughey’s son, Ciarán, Mr Hogan has maintained a high profile in the media.

Yesterday’s statement said the board of directors had “reluctantly made the decision following poor trading conditions and falling advertising sales”. In addition to Magill and In Dublin, the company also published Irish Wedding & New Home and High Ball magazines.

The company bought its highest profile magazine, Magill, from its founder Vincent Browne in late 1998, for an undisclosed fee. Another title, the glossy celebrity magazine WHO, folded in April this year.

Mr Hogan said yesterday that it would be inappropriate to comment until after the creditors’ meeting had taken place. He declined to comment on his own plans for the future.

Magill editor Niall Stanage stepped down from his position last Friday. The next edition of the monthly magazine was due to be sent to the printers last night. “It was obvious to everybody over the past few months that the financial situation was not healthy,” Mr Stanage said.