QNews

QNews (QN) is an online news outlet based in Brisbane, Queensland catering to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities in Australia.

QNews
EditorDestiny Rogers, Jordan Hirst
Staff writersMichael James, Andrew Blythe
CategoriesLGBTIQ publication
FrequencyFortnightly
Circulation12500
PublisherRichard Bakker
First issueDecember 2000 (2000-12)
CountryAustralia
Based inBrisbane
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.qnews.com.au
ISSN1833-4830

History

QNews was formed in December 2000 following the demise of predecessor publication Brother Sister amidst the collapse of national LGBT publisher Satellite Media. The first edition of QNews was released on 15 December that year. It was operated by Ray Mackereth, who had previously run Brother Sister for Satellite Media. A fortnightly publication from the beginning, it was originally printed as a tabloid newspaper, but changed to a fortnightly magazine in 2005. Historian Shirleene Robinson described QNews as being less "highbrow" than its then-rival publication, Queensland Pride.[1][2][3]

In 2013, under earlier ownership, The Australian reported claims that QNews had inflated its distribution figures, alleging that the publication was claiming that it had distributed approximately double the number of copies than had actually been printed. It suggested that the magazine's distribution at that time was averaging approximately 8,500 copies.[4]

In 2015, the company ran into financial difficulties and was facing closure, with the operators needing a crowdfunding campaign to keep the publication alive for long enough to secure a new publisher.[5] It faced further issues later that year after its then owner, Ray Mackereth, filed for bankruptcy.[6] Later that month, it was sold to Queensland businessman Richard Bakker.[7]

In October 2018, QNews appointed a transgender managing editor, Destiny Rogers, reportedly the first Australian publication to do so.[8]

Content

QNews is a Queensland-focused LGBTIQ fortnightly lifestyle magazine catering to members of the Australian LGBTIQ community and their allies. The magazine covers local and national LGBTIQ current affairs, community issues, health, entertainment and culture. The print publication and website are available for free and supported entirely by advertising.

The company regularly partners with LGBTIQ community groups around Queensland and northern New South Wales, including Brisbane Pride,[9] Cairns Tropical Pride[10] and Tropical Fruits.[11]

In April 2016, the publication released its 400th issue and celebrated what it claimed was a record for the largest number of issues for a Queensland LGBTIQ print publication.[12]

Distribution

QNews currently has over 450 distribution points,[13] mostly throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.[2]

The print magazine is also published online each fortnight.[14]

References
  1. Robinson, Shirleene (2007). "Queensland's Queer Press" (PDF). Queensland Review. 14 (2).
  2. "About QNews Magazine". Qnews.com.au. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  3. Featherstone, Lisa (ed) (2014). Acts of Love and Lust: Sexuality in Australia from 1945-2010. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 68.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  4. "Gay titles accused over distribution data". The Australian. 7 October 2013.
  5. "QNews to close, holding out for a hero". The Age. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  6. "Future of QNews uncertain following owner bankruptcy and "outrageous" workplace contraventions". Sydney Star Observer. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  7. "A bright new future for QNews". QNews. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  8. "Destiny Rogers takes the reins at Q News". Out in Perth. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  9. "Brisbane Pride Festival Guide 2018 - August 31, 2018". Qnews.com.au. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  10. "Home". Cairns Tropical Pride. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  11. "Tropical Fruits Guide 2017". Calameo.com. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  12. QNews Celebrates 400 Issues
  13. "Distribution". Qnews.com.au. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  14. "QNews Magazine Past Issues". Qnews.com.au. 25 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
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