News Corp Australia Ends Comic Strips, Embraces Digital Puzzles

News Corp Australia has made a significant decision to discontinue the publication of comic strips and panels in its newspapers starting September 11, 2022. This move does not affect editorial cartoons, which will continue to be featured. The rationale behind this change is rooted in evolving reader habits, with a shift towards digital platforms and away from traditional newspaper comic sections. The company emphasized a strategic pivot towards puzzles, games, and crosswords, exemplified by the recent launch of Brain Gains. This shift reflects a broader global trend where audiences are increasingly gravitating towards movies and events for entertainment rather than printed comic content.

Cathy Wilcox, the president of the Australian Cartoonists Association, expressed disappointment at News Corp’s decision to cease running comic strips in all Australian publications. This move impacts several renowned cartoonists, including Jason Chatfield (Ginger Meggs), Gary Clark (Swamp), Tony Lopes (Insanity Streak), and Allan Salisbury (Snake Tales). The decision has broader implications, affecting American cartoonists whose works are syndicated to News Corp papers in Australia. Notable comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, Hagar the Horrible, The Phantom, Garfield, Peanuts, and Blondie are among those impacted by this shift.

In response to the announcement, concerns have been raised about the impact on cartoonists who have relied on News Corp as their primary employer. The decision to discontinue comic strips has sparked mixed reactions, with some readers expressing disappointment at losing a source of humor and light relief in their daily newspapers. The absence of comics online on the newspapers’ websites or apps has also raised questions about the digital transition and the perceived value of comic content in the evolving media landscape.

The decision by News Corp Australia to cancel comic strips marks a significant shift in the traditional newspaper publishing landscape. This move aligns with previous actions taken by News Corp’s U.S. newspaper, The New York Post, which discontinued its comics section eight years ago. The transition away from comic content in newspapers underscores the changing dynamics of reader preferences and media consumption habits. While editorial cartoons are set to remain, the removal of comic strips signals a broader industry trend where print publications are adapting to digital advancements and evolving audience interests.

The impact of this decision extends beyond Australia, resonating with cartoonists and comic enthusiasts globally. The discontinuation of comic strips represents a loss not only for the artists and creators but also for readers who have developed emotional connections with these daily features. The shift towards puzzles and games reflects a strategic realignment towards interactive and engaging content formats that cater to evolving reader preferences. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the fate of comic puzzles in traditional newspaper formats raises questions about the future of visual storytelling and humor in the digital age.