Gay Chicago issued a press release Sept. 29 announcing it will cease publication of its print newspaper. However, it will continue to produce online news and entertainment.
Ralph Paul Gernhardt founded the publication in 1976; he passed away in 2006. “It is with great sadness that we have come to this point in our publication’s history,” said Craig Gernhardt, Gay Chicago’s publisher and Ralph-Paul’s son.
Ralph Paul Gernhardt was inducted into Chicago’s Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2004. Gay Chicago Magazine was inducted in 1991.
“Continuing print operations became more and more difficult in the past few years with dwindling ad revenues and rising print and operating costs. We just can’t sustain our old model anymore,” said Craig Gernhardt. “It’s time to turn toward a new direction.”