Music-reviews mag Blender will cease print publication with its April issue, though it will maintain its separate web presence. A rep for Blender’s parent, Alpha Media Group, noted that the website has had a different editorial focus than the print version. About 30 staffers will lose their jobs as a result of the changes. The mag, which initially gave the more established rival Rolling Stone quite a run when it was brought to the U.S. from the U.K. in 2001. In a sense, Blender is going back to its electronic roots. It was originally conceived as a CD-ROM magazine when it was created in 1994 by Dennis Publishing, which sold off Blender and Maxim to Alpha about two years ago.

SEE ALSO: Quadrangle-Backed Maxim Mag May Be Turned Over to Creditors

In addition to Blender’s shuttering, Maxim’s print and digital editorial operations have been combined.  Blender’s EIC and erstwhile Rolling Stone editor Joe Levy will take his title over to Maxim. In turn, Jay Woodruff, will go from EIC of Maxim Digital to become chief content officer of the integrated web and print male entertainment mag. In addition to the general troubles depressing the media industry, Quadrangle Group-owned Alpha has had its own particular financial difficulties the past few months. Back in November, the media unit faced being turned over to its creditors, after it violated debt covenants.