Alaska Magazine no longer accepting new subscriptions

Alaska Magazine, the iconic publication that has showcased the state’s beauty, culture, and wilderness since 1935, has quietly stopped accepting new subscriptions, leaving longtime readers puzzled and industry observers wondering if another major print outlet is preparing to shift its model.

The magazine, owned by parent company Morris Communications since 1995, has long been a staple for readers in the Lower 48 who dream of the Last Frontier, as well as for Alaskans who enjoy seeing their state presented with pride: wildlife photo essays, fishing and hunting features, recipes, outdoor adventures, and stories from around the communities that define Alaska.

But sometime around August, the publication’s subscription portal was changed to block all new sign-ups. The only explanation offered so far is a brief message that it is “not taking new subscriptions.” No accompanying announcement, financial disclosure, or policy rationale has been provided by MCC Magazines, a division of Morris Communications.

The Alaska Story has placed a call with Publisher John Lunn to ask for clarification, including whether the company is preparing to move to a digital-only format or is making operational adjustments that may affect its print product. As with many legacy magazines, the cost of print production and distribution has sharply increased in recent years, leading some long-running titles to shutter their print editions or convert entirely to digital.

Alaska Magazine previously offered both print and digital subscription options, including a one-year, 10-issue plan for about $24. For many readers, that modest cost bought not only entertainment but also a tangible connection to the state, especially appreciated by old-timers who find that connection difficult to replicate in a digital environment.

While existing subscribers appear to still be receiving issues, the freeze on new subscriptions signals that internal changes may be underway. While Morris Communications has not yet responded to our inquiry, we will update readers as soon as the publisher provides an explanation for the unexpected halt of subscriptions to this 90-year-old publication, which started in Ketchikan as the Alaska Sportsman.