By — Ted Anthony, Associated Press Ted Anthony, Associated Press By — Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/online-magazine-salon-announces-it-is-shutting-down Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Online magazine Salon announces it is shutting down Arts Nov 6, 2026 1:46 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Salon, one of the early internet's most influential websites that featured sharp voices and political and cultural journalism with a liberal sensibility, announced Thursday it would shut down after 31 years of publication. "It has been an extraordinary privilege," the outlet said in a farewell note. The announcement, seen as a surprise, cited the fact that "the business realities of independent digital journalism have changed profoundly over the years." It did not immediately indicate what would become of its employees, though some reported they had lost their jobs. A spokesperson for the outlet said 19 full-time employees had been affected, as well as a handful of private contractors. "Over three decades, Salon has brought together politics, culture, criticism and ideas in a way…
Online magazine Salon announces it is shutting down
In short
First launched in the mid-1990s by David Talbot, the digital forum carved out a distinct voice for liberal political criticism and cultural commentary as the web expanded. Throughout its 31-year run, the publication served as an early professional home for well-known media figures such as Jake Tapper and Glenn Greenwald. It also elevated progressive editorial leaders like Joan Walsh before succumbing to modern digital business pressures. While active reporting has ceased, leadership released a farewell message expressing gratitude to long-time readers for decades of engagement.
Key points
- Severe economic shifts in independent digital journalism ultimately forced the pioneering…: Severe economic shifts in independent digital journalism ultimately forced the pioneering publication to end operations after 31 years.
- The outlet played a significant foundational role in web journalism by publishing promine…: The outlet played a significant foundational role in web journalism by publishing prominent commentators like Glenn Greenwald and Jake Tapper.
- The decision concludes an influential era of internet-native commentary that predated the…: The decision concludes an influential era of internet-native commentary that predated the dominance of contemporary social media networks.