Beginning in January, the Biblical Recorder’s historic print edition will transition to a monthly magazine. The new format will put additional tools in the hands of our staff to keep you informed and inspired. The move also falls in line with a slate of cost-saving innovations that our staff began implementing last year. All in all, we think it’s the right move at the right time to ensure our staff is serving North Carolina Baptists faithfully and efficiently.
As executive editor, I look for solutions that add value to our organization without swelling our expenses. That strategy is important in any era, but it has been especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic consequences of the virus on advertising revenue and Cooperative Program giving spurred us to act strategically and decisively.
Through the years, many people have suggested that the Recorder consider a magazine format. The higher quality paper and image quality of a magazine will benefit our readers and advertisers. Magazine layout and design also tends to be more dynamic and visually engaging. Our staff is excited about how that will enhance our storytelling abilities.
“A magazine format allows us to expand our creativity in telling the stories of Southern Baptists,” said Liz Tablazon, assistant editor at the Recorder. “We’ll keep sharing the ways God is working through and in His people – in greater depth and on more visually compelling pages.”
The first issue featuring the new magazine style should arrive in mailboxes mid-January. We will debut the new format with an emphasis on a topic close to our hearts: the sanctity of life.
“Over the course of several months, the board at the Biblical Recorder has explored how best to serve North Carolina Baptists,” said Chris Hefner, incoming board chairman for 2021. “News really doesn’t operate in a cycle anymore. It is immediate, almost always breaking. The Recorder’s website and social media platforms are ideal for addressing news as it happens, but the bi-weekly paper required evaluation.
“We believe a monthly magazine will transition the Recorder toward content that inspires readers and engages theologically pressing issues. We are looking forward to continuing our mission to inform N.C. Baptists with trustworthy content.”
Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas? Offer friends and family a gift subscription to the all-new Biblical Recorder magazine. Sign up online at BRnow.org or email us at [email protected].