Exclusive | Publishers panic that Hudson News could stop carrying their mags — “asteroid killing off the dinosaurs”

Speculation Surrounds Hudson News’ Decision to Stop Carrying Magazines in the Tri-State Area

There is growing speculation that Hudson News, a well-known presence in airports and transit hubs, may no longer carry magazines in the Tri-State Area. This potential scenario has publishers on edge, with one likening it to “an asteroid killing off the dinosaurs.”

The fears among publishers were sparked by Hudson News Distributors, owned by James Cohen, informing the New Jersey Department of Labor about laying off 236 employees at its Parsippany, NJ, headquarters. This move has raised concerns about the future of magazine distribution in the region.

Hudson News Distributors is a key distributor for magazines from publishers such as DotDash Meredith, Condé Nast, Hearst, and Penske Media, who may see a significant impact on their businesses if Hudson News stops carrying their publications.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Hudson News is set to cease distributing magazines on February 7, potentially leading to a significant shift in the availability of glossies in Hudson News locations in the Tri-State Area, including major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.

This development could have a significant impact on publishers, particularly those who rely heavily on airport terminal sales. With the decline in print magazine sales in recent years due to online news consumption and decreased advertising spending, the loss of distribution through Hudson News could be a major blow to the industry.

Law firm Strauss Borelli is currently investigating whether the layoff announcement by Hudson News Distributors complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which mandates a 60-day notice for mass firings or plant closures.

There are concerns about potential lawsuits and bankruptcy filings by Cohen’s company, which could leave publishers and workers in a precarious position. Publishers may lose out on revenue owed to them from magazine sales, while workers, including drivers, could face challenges with pension benefits.

While the impact of Hudson News’ decision may be significant, some industry insiders believe that magazines have been gradually moving away from traditional newsstand sales towards other distribution channels. Airport newsstands have already reduced their magazine inventory and are focusing more on special issues with a longer shelf life.

Despite the changing landscape, magazines like People, which rely heavily on weekly newsstand sales, could still feel the effects of Hudson News’ decision. The loss of a major distribution channel like Hudson News could have a lasting impact on the industry, potentially affecting the future of print magazines as a whole.

While the situation continues to unfold, publishers and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments and preparing for potential challenges ahead.