InStyle, Elle, Women's Health, Men's Health among Australian magazines axed by Bauer Media

Eight Australian magazines will disappear from newsstands as financial stress from the coronavirus pandemic continues to hurt the media industry.

In making the announcement, Bauer Media Australia cited declining advertising revenue and travel restrictions as major factors in the decision.

Harper's Bazaar, Elle, OK!, Men's Health, Women's Health, Good Health, NW and InStyle are the titles that will no longer be published.

These publications were paused in May due to complications during the coronavirus pandemic.

The chief executive of Bauer Media Australia and New Zealand, Brendon Hill, said the uncertain future made the publications unviable.

"We, like many other media companies, have deeply felt the impact of COVID-19," Mr Hill said.

"No-one could have anticipated the swift, widespread and ongoing impact of the pandemic on our business and industry."

Mr Hill said there would be job losses but did not specify how many staff would be let go.

Bauer had experienced positive moments in recent months, after purchasing the company Pacific Magazines in May.

The company then announced it would be sold to Mercury Capital — a deal which was completed on July 15.

However, Bauer sold two of its magazines, Woman's Day and New Idea, in June for a loss.

"It has been a challenging time for Bauer and our team with exciting highs and devastating lows in recent months," Mr Hill said.

"We have been forced to reset and future-proof the business like all of the media industry has."

Tuesday's announcement will not affect the company's operations in New Zealand, which resumed last Friday.

The company had not distributed any of its magazines in New Zealand since April, but an easing of government restrictions allowed Bauer to reinstate titles including Woman's Day, New Zealand Women's Weekly and The Australian Women's Weekly.

"The New Zealand market is very different to Australia at this point in time, with people back in the office, a more promising advertising market and many Kiwis enjoying domestic travel," Mr Hill said.