Columbus, Ohio, is marking a half-century of independent local journalism with the 50th anniversary of Monthly. Launched in , the magazine emerged at a time when many doubted the viability of a city-focused publication, according to early reports.
The inaugural issue of Monthly dedicated significant coverage to Victorian Village, a historic neighborhood within the city. The article posed a question central to the city’s evolving identity: would Victorian Village, then undergoing a period of transition, ultimately thrive? This focus on local neighborhoods and their challenges would become a hallmark of the magazine’s approach.
Beyond its coverage of local architecture and urban development, the first issue also tackled the complexities of Ohio’s alcohol regulations. A piece by Jon Christensen, identified as a communications officer in the Ohio Department of Health, critiqued the state’s liquor laws, arguing they artificially inflated wine prices and stifled competition. Christensen, who had reportedly been enjoying wine for 25 years of his 34, suggested some residents were resorting to cross-border trips to procure more affordable options – a situation the author noted bore a striking resemblance to contemporary debates surrounding marijuana access.
Christensen’s article highlighted a specific wine, Gran Premio Red, available at $2.25, as a particularly good value. This detail, while seemingly minor, offers a glimpse into the economic realities and consumer preferences of the time. It also underscores the magazine’s early commitment to providing practical, consumer-focused information.
The founding of Monthly coincided with a broader trend of city magazines gaining prominence across the United States. These publications filled a niche by offering in-depth coverage of local politics, culture and lifestyle – a counterpoint to the often-generalized reporting of larger, regional or national news outlets. Monthly quickly established a reputation for challenging the status quo and providing a platform for alternative voices, a characteristic it has maintained throughout its history.
Over the decades, the magazine has evolved through various ownership structures. Initially launched as an independent venture, it was later acquired by American Community Newspapers II, LLC, alongside other local publications like The Other Paper and Columbus C.E.O. In , these properties were sold to Dispatch Printing Company, the owner of The Columbus Dispatch. Further changes followed in , when Dispatch Printing Company sold its Columbus print assets to GateHouse Media, which subsequently merged with Gannett in .
Despite these shifts in ownership, Monthly has continued to serve as a vital source of information and analysis for Central Ohio residents. It is known for its extensive research-driven pieces, including the annual “Best of Columbus” guide, and its comprehensive restaurant coverage. The magazine’s commitment to in-depth reporting and local storytelling has earned it recognition as a member of the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA).
The magazine’s longevity speaks to the enduring importance of local journalism. In an era of increasingly fragmented media landscapes and the rise of digital news sources, Monthly’s ability to adapt and remain relevant demonstrates the continued demand for high-quality, locally focused reporting. The publication’s early focus on issues like urban revitalization and consumer protection remains pertinent today, highlighting the enduring challenges and opportunities facing cities like Columbus.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has preserved digitized versions of the magazine from to , offering researchers and the public access to a valuable historical record of the city’s evolution. These archived issues provide a window into a period of significant change for Columbus, capturing the debates and developments that shaped the city into what it is today. They document a time when historic districts were still establishing themselves, indoor tennis was a novel trend, and local figures like Les Wexner were emerging as prominent members of the community.
