Sound & Vision Magazine Takes a Bow

[SRW1000]

Excerpts from the full article that was published here:  Sound & Vision Magazine Takes a Bow | Sound & Vision (soundandvision.com)

I know you’ve heard this one before: All good things must come to an end. To quote The Doors, “This is the end.” The final print issue of Sound & Vision magazine has left the printer. We are a purely digital property now.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the writers who made Sound & Vision such an outstanding read in print, right up through the year 2024. Many other magazines didn’t make it this far, which makes this moment both a significant milestone and a bittersweet farewell.

But like a delicious chocolate bar, bittersweetness has its good points. Yes, farewell, Sound & Vision magazine. I will miss it more than I ever imagined before I took the editorial helm two years ago. This magazine has been an institution in my life for decades, and it has been a privilege to steer it through its final print chapter.

As we close this chapter, it’s also important to acknowledge the contributions of those who have shaped the magazine over the years. Special thanks go out to art director Jeremy Moyler, editor-at-large and web editor Bob Ankosko, senior editor Tom Norton, music editor Mike Mettler, movies editor Chris Chiarella, columnists Ken Pohlmann, John Sciacca, and Michael Antonoff, and our contributing technical editors: former editor Rob Sabin, the legendary Dan Kumin, Leslie Shapiro, Barb Gonzalez, Jim Wilson, and David Vaughn and the many other reviewers who have pitched in.

Notably, Ken Pohlmann holds the distinction of being the longest-running continuous columnist for Sound & Vision, a testament to his enduring influence and expertise.

As I reflect on the history of this magazine, I’m filled with nostalgia, but the “sweet” part of this transition is the liberation that comes with going all-digital. My time as a print magazine editor has been relatively brief—just two years—compared to a decade-plus in editorial roles for AV-related websites. This shift to digital feels like a return to the medium I am most comfortable with, and it aligns with my core strength in multimedia content creation. I am optimistic that Sound & Vision will thrive as an all-digital brand, continuing to be a vital resource for enthusiasts in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Really sad to see this news.  While I will visit the website almost every day, it doesn't have the same feel of holding the glossy magazine in hand, with a cornucopia of new products and reviews, all ready for instant devouring. 

It doesn't come as a huge shock though, as it follows the path of so much other physical media, whether it's print, music, or movies.  Ken C. Pohlmann's Signals columns have been significant downers lately, perhaps a sign of what was to come.

Let's hope the online version continues to be a valuable resource for us, and especially for those just starting to enter the hobby.

[David Vaughn]

I was sad when I was informed of the decision, but not surprised either. I'll continue to write for the online publication for the time being, but it's sad to not see it on newsstands and in mailboxes (even my own).

[Paul Heroy]

I've been a subscriber since the days of Stereo Review and High Fidelity magazines. (Plus a few other print magazines, most notably Audio which was by far my favorite and the best IMO of the general audience A/V mags I ever read.) I used to devour those monthly, obviously mostly pre-Internet. 

This was obviously coming at some point but I'll especially miss it during "throne time" as one of the few remaining non-digital escapes of the day!

[bmoney]

Printed anything is a rarity now. End of an era for sure