Cosmopolitan magazine axed: Original 'female bible' for sex advice to close

The magazine will no longer be published in Australia, its parent company Bauer Media has announced today. Photo / Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan, the magazine once considered a bible for young women, has been axed.

Publisher Bauer Media made the announcement today. It's understood the final issue will be printed in December.

The magazine is the latest Bauer title to go under, as the company struggles with falling print sales in the digital era.

In a statement this morning, Bauer Media ANZ CEO Paul Dykzeul said: "Today, Bauer Media announced the closure of the Cosmopolitan brand in Australia, with the December issue being the last. It has not been an easy decision to make, however, the commercial viability of the magazine in Australia is no longer sustainable.

"Magazine closures are never easy, desirable or done without careful consideration for all of those involved. We have to ensure that we are continually reshaping and defining the business so that our readers of today, and those of tomorrow, remain engaged with the content we publish and the platforms upon which we deliver.

The final issue of Cosmopolitan will be published in December. Photo / Cosmopolitan

"We are incredibly proud of the brand and the people who have been involved and represented over the last 45 years. It has helped to launch the careers of media personalities, supported great brands and causes, and inspired millions of young women across the country.

"We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the brand and its legacy over the years."

Earlier this month the editors-in-chief of Elle and Harper's Bazaar resigned, as the company revealed the teams from both magazines would be dissolved into each other.

In 2016 Bauer also axed Dolly magazine after 46 years.

Its popular Dolly Doctor section became famous for offering teen girls factual, judgment-free advice about sex and bodies.

Previous editors-in-chief of Cosmopolitan include Mamamia founder Mia Freedman, I Quit Sugar's Sarah Wilson and Bronwyn McCahon.

Current editor-in-chief Lorna Gray is yet to comment on the closure.