Paper Magazine Lays Off Entire Editorial Team

Paper Magazine, an American fashion and pop culture publication founded in 1984, has laid off its 10-member editorial staff Wednesday, including editorial director Mickey Boardman, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Adweek first reported the news, citing that layoffs at the magazine will affect between 20 to 30 full-time staff, including the writers and editors. Editor-in-chief Justin Moran will stay on for another month to finish existing projects. Paper did not respond to a request for comment.

It’s unclear whether the publication will remain in operation past the near term, sources say. Its publisher, Tom Florio, is looking to cut costs while weighing the alternatives, including selling to a potential investor, according to the Adweek report.

Paper Magazine had a viral moment with its 2014 “Break the Internet” cover featuring Kim Kardashian. Florio, alongside Paper’s then-chief creative officer Drew Elliot, purchased Paper Magazine, from its founders, media veterans Kim Hastreiter and David Hershkovits, in 2017. To acquire the title, they formed ENTtech Media Group and tapped entertainment production firm XRM Media as a strategic partner. At the time, Florio, former publishing director of Vogue, told BoF ENTtech will look to acquire additional media titles. The entity also encompasses a creative agency.

In recent months, a number of publications have announced layoffs in their editorial operations, including Buzzfeed, ESPN and Vox Media.