FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024   ■   PUBLISHING

Social Media Censorship Fuels Print Media Revival

Firearms News’ Facebook Page Getting Deleted Is Part of the Reason Why

DENVER – The saying “what comes around, goes around” rings true today as Firearms News, a leading voice in the Second Amendment community since 1946, announces a renewed commitment to print media as social media censorship further restricts free information flow. The publication’s Facebook page, a top resource for nearly 1 million followers, was recently deleted without warning, underscoring the growing challenges faced by conservative and pro-Second Amendment voices online.

Firearms News has long balanced the legacy of print media with the immediacy of digital content, publishing both monthly issues and daily updates online. Despite digital disruptions, the publication remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering unfiltered Second Amendment news, historical firearm insights, and gun reviews.

"Social media censorship shows the importance and value of our print roots," notes David M. Fortier, Executive Editor at Firearms News. "Our community relies on us for unbiased journalism, and print is a key part of ensuring our message reaches those who value freedom and transparency."

The deletion of Firearms News’ Facebook page comes amidst a broader crackdown on content by significant tech platforms. According to their own social data, this year's engagement metrics reveal a staggering 90 percent drop due to algorithm changes targeting firearms-related media. Despite having invested millions in advertising on these platforms, Firearms News and its parent company, Outdoor Sportsman Group, have faced insurmountable obstacles in restoring their online presence.

“Our parent company, Outdoor Sportsman Group, has spent millions of dollars advertising with Facebook over the years, however, it has not been afforded the opportunity to resolve the matter to any reasonable conclusion. This begs the question as to whether Facebook is a platform companies should feel secure investing their money and manpower in if it can be wiped out instantaneously without discourse or proper oversight,” questions Fortier.

Read more about this issue here.

While big tech would love to see the death of traditional publishing, the industry is experiencing a resurgence. According to recent surveys, books and magazines are very much alive, with 2021 launching 122 new print magazines in the United States alone. A revived interest in print has been attributed to the analog preferences of Gen Z readers, confirming Firearms News’ data which indicates a strong increase among men 18-35 years old.

“It is important to remember, print can’t be deleted, which means Firearms News will be here to stay. As long as our readers enjoy our exclusive content and reviews, our editors and writers will be here giving the facts on what matters in the world of firearms and Second Amendment rights,” concluded Fortier.

With a commitment to maintaining a free and open dialogue, Firearms News invites readers to explore its print and online offerings. Subscribers receive twelve annual issues enriched by in-depth articles and cutting-edge industry analyses; subscribe now and never miss an update.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group Publishing: As a premier destination for the most avid outdoors enthusiasts, Outdoor Sportsman Group’s publishing division is widely recognized for its strong special-interest multichannel brands, including Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s HUNTING, In-Fisherman and 10 other leading magazines that reach more than 22 million readers. Outdoor Sportsman Group’s network of websites, including BassFan.com, Outdoorchannel.com, Sportsmanchannel.com and WFN.com, attracts more than 62 million annual unique visitors, and OSG TV produces hundreds of TV episodes of original branded hunting, sport shooting and fishing programming that airs on Outdoor Sportsman Group’s broadcast entities. Visit http://outdoorsg.com for more information.