Media giant St. Joseph Media, publisher of FASHION, Toronto Life, and several other glossy national mags, is suspending publication of Gardening Life and Wish Magazine.

Wish launched in 2004 with a circulation of around 72,000, and was the “Canadian woman’s Shopping List for Life”, with tips, deals and trends about fashion, food, beauty and home. Gardening Life launched in 1996 with a similar circulation, and pegged itself as “Canada’s best source for garden solutions, inspiration, and products”, geared towards long-time gardeners as well as beginners.

According to Masthead Online, SJM president Douglas Knight said in a letter to staff:

“The global financial crisis has triggered such a sharp decline in advertising markets that prudent media companies around the world are evaluating their portfolios and making tough decisions about those brands least able to withstand the downturn.”

CBC.ca reports that about 20 jobs will be lost. SJM will maintain the 20-Minute Supper Club, which was a feature of Wish, with a plan to launch a stand-alone website and an annual 20-Minute Supper Club magazine in 2009. Toronto Life will add a home and gardening supplement to its content.






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