Ladies Home Journal ceasing subscription service

Meredith Corp. says it is ending subscription service of "Ladies' Home Journal" due to declining advertiser interest.

The magazine was launched in 1883 and is one of the nation's oldest women's magazines. It remains quite popular with a current circulation of 3.2 million. But with a media reader age of 57, the magazine faces tough competition for advertisers amid a sea of other women's magazines that appeal to broader demographics.

Meredith spokesman Art Slusark said Thursday said that the magazine's July edition will be its final subscription issue. After that, it will move to a quarterly newsstand format.

The company says 40 to 50 staff in New York will be affected but it may hire more staff at its Iowa headquarters to support the magazine in its new format.