Hearst ceases publishing relationships in Russia

Hearst Magazine President Debi Chirichella has announced in a staff memo that the publishing house has ceased its Russian media partnerships with Shkulev Media and Fashion Press, effective immediately.

Chirichella specified that Hearst would be turning over its equity in Shkuley Media to the company and that it was terminating the licensing agreements of its owned brands with Fashion Press. Shkuley Media published Elle Russia, while Fashion Press published Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and Men’s Health in Russia.

In the memo she commented: "While we firmly believe our brands play a critical role in engaging and informing audiences on a range of subjects, including current events, the escalation of the humanitarian crisis and our deep concern about the broader impact it could have has forced us to reassess our role — and our responsibility — as a global business.

“We know that there will be individuals who are impacted by this decision and, as always, will be providing resources to help ease their transition.”

Hearst had announced on 2 March that it was donating £228,000 in equal parts to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children.

On Wednesday Hearst rival Condé Nast announced that it had temporarily ceased publishing in Russia following the introduction of a new propaganda law.