Komputeraktif ceased…
“We regret to inform that Komputeraktif edition 156 that will be published on 18 April 2007 will be the last edition,” wrote Chief Editor Antyo Rentjoko in the IT magazine’s website. Komputeraktif and its sister publication Snap! followed PC Magazine Indonesia’s fate. That’s three in the first quarter of 2007.
The announcement dated 9 April 2007 followed a post by Widi Krastawan in the name of the publisher. “Due to our license contract with VNU Business Publication Ltd had expired, we regret to inform that Komputeraktif will no longer published in Indonesia.” He explained further that after some ‘technical considerations,’ they decide to stop publishing digital photography magazine Snap! as well.
One colleague in Komputeraktif told me about this several weeks ago. I didn’t believe it, simply because the Indonesia’s biggest media tycoon backed this magazine: Kompas Group [Kelompok Kompas Gramedia -KKG]. It’s so unlike PC Magazine Indonesia that was published by a media group that has more competence in lifestyle than information technology.
Then I met him again a week ago. “We will close down everything in May,” he said. When I asked why he did mentioned about the license expiration, but he had no idea why Kompas Group didn’t renew the license. He believed being among the first IT publication in Indonesia, Komputeraktif’s been doing well in term of circulation and ad sales, as well as building up community. So Kompas Group decision didn’t make sense to him.
So I asked him where the employees would go. “We wont go anywhere, they [the management] sacked all the editorial team, we’re fired. Only marketing team will join another publication in the group. ” I was shocked in disbelief…
consolidating market ?
The closing of PC Magazine Indonesia, Komputeraktif, Snap! and the merging of Infokomputer with PC Plus –all happened during the first quarter of 2007- signaled consolidation of franchised/licensed IT publication business in Indonesia, following a boom 4-5 years ago. Bisnis Indonesia took part by publishing Trendigital to grab some share in the booming market. I think the publisher/franchisee decide to cease the publication because increasing fees, and it’s now turn for lifestyle publication. You can see more and more franchised lifestyle magazines.
Consolidating market is not always bad, it opens up opportunities mainly for established media group to start an IT publication with their own brand. It was clear that global brand is not enough to attract IT readers that has grown smarter and more demanding than before. Would-be IT publisher should offer something different than just content. They have to make the publication relevant to readers. Otherwise, you’re finished.
