Frontiers (magazine)
 Jeffree Star on the cover in April 2006. | |
| Categories | American LGBT news and lifestyle magazine |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Circulation | 270,000 monthly readers, mainly Southern California |
| Publisher | Michael Turner |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Final issue | September 2016 |
| Company | Frontiers Media |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Website | www |
| ISSN | 1526-1972 |
Frontiers was Southern California's oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) magazine.[1][2]Founded and published by Robert (Bob) Craig who at that time was the owner of "The Hayloft" gay mens bar where nightly Donnie (Big Ears) screened Major Studios 35mm films. The films came by ways of the industry sourced from the vaults of the major studios and projected on a near full size screen, wooden benches with foot rails surrounded the three walls, two lines ran the length of the double building. The beer bar was to the side, floors covered in sawdust, we were the "Hayloft Cowboys" dress code was 501 Jeans T shirt, button down or wifebeater we entered, step to the bar then find a perch, side saddle or straddle and ostensibly watch the movie and cruise. 11818 Ventura Boulevard Studio City CA, Bob also owned Modern Messenger Service whose big delivery truck was named Abbie. The magazine was founded earlier than 1981,[2] it was distributed freely at gay bars, clubs and businesses throughout Southern California. The biweekly publication focused on local, national and international news related to the LGBT community, entertainment, as well as coverage of HIV/AIDS-related topics and other important issues, in addition to its popular escort listings section, Frontiers4Men. As of February 2014, it had a staff of 19 and claimed a readership of 270,000.[3]
The publication documented and reported on news events including coming out stories of proximally close celebrities and is archived in many LGBT collections including National Transgender Library collection.[4]
The paper was purchased in 2007 by Mark Hundahl and David Stern. Hundahl died in December 2012.[5] The publication filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2013. At the time it reported circulation of 30,000 copies on a semi-monthly basis.[6] In February 2014, businessman Michael Turner bought the paper and announced plans to expand its readership base, and to make efforts to attract larger local and national advertisers in lieu of the classified ads and advertising focused on escort services and similar sexual content.[3] The magazine began to be published on a weekly basis.[2]
On September 23, 2016, Frontier's parent, Multimedia Platforms Worldwide, suspended operations due to financial difficulties, effectively shutting Frontiers down.[2][7]
References
- ^ "Gay L.A. History Walking Tour" Fresno Pride; N.L. March 2007 #139 2 (Page 18).
- ^ a b c d Dan Avery (September 28, 2016). "Frontiers, Next Magazine, Reportedly Cease Publication". NewNowNext. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ a b Saba Hamedy, "New owner plans relaunch of LGBT magazine Frontiers: CEO Michael Turner, who bought the 32-year-old L.A.-based magazine this month, hopes to expand it from its traditional local base." Los Angeles Times, February 13, 2014.
- ^ "Guide to the National Transgender Library collection". Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
- ^ Philip Zonkel, "Mark Hundahl, FrontiersLA co-owner and straight ally, dead at 61; celebration of life planned for Jan. 19" Archived 2014-02-22 at the Wayback Machine, Press-Telegram (blog), January 7, 2013.
- ^ "Frontiers LA Files For Bankruptcy", Wehoville.com, Mar 20, 2013.
- ^ Wehoville (September 28, 2016). "Frontiers' Parent Company Shuts Down, Leaving the Future of the 35-Year-Old LGBT Magazine in Doubt". WEHOVILLE. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
External links