Membership

Air Force Association’s New Member Tier: Digital Mag Only, Please

The group remains committed to Air Force Magazine—it just plans to offer a cheaper membership option for those who prefer to read it online.

The group remains committed to Air Force Magazine—it just plans to offer a cheaper membership option for those who prefer to read it online.

The Air Force Association’s new membership tier might be something to keep an eye on if your print magazine’s profitability is teetering.

On Wednesday, AFA launched a new membership tier, the eMember, which offers a discount to members who choose to forego the association’s monthly print magazine, Air Force Magazine, in favor of a digital issue.

Despite the price difference—eMembers will pay $30 per year for membership versus the regular $45—the association emphasizes that all other aspects of membership will remain the same.

“They will receive all other current member benefits and are eligible to hold office, vote, and in every way enjoy the benefits of an AFA membership,” the association says in a press release [PDF].

On top of this, the association says the magazine’s electronic version will be shifting from the current PDF format to one that looks identical to the print magazine. AFA added that the magazine’s website will be updated with a fresh design and a members-only area.

A Challenging Period

Association publications are facing a number of challenges, due in part to dynamic changes within the industry. The American Medical Association’s American Medical News was shuttered last year because of additional online competition and a decline in ad revenue.

And last month, the U.S. Postal Service implemented an exigent rate increase on postage. That move by the Postal Regulatory Commission led to lawsuits challenging the rate hike decision as it stands—including one that has the backing of MPA: The Association of Magazine Media.

(Air Force Association)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

Got an article tip for us? Contact us and let us know!


Comments