Condé Nast Closing Four Magazines

After months of speculation outside Condé Nast and nervous anxiety inside the magazine conglomerate, the company announced Monday morning that four titles are ceasing publication—Gourmet, Cookie, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride—and 180 jobs will be cut. The decision comes after a three-month study by McKinsey & Co. designed to cut costs nearly company-wide. The end of Gourmet is the biggest surprise, as it has a storied history dating back to 1940 and Bon Appétit was believed to be the weaker of the food magazines. Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl also maintains clout within the industry. Cookie, the parenting magazine, was launched in 2005. Modern Bride and Elegant Bride were spinoffs of Brides, which will continue on.