Venue, Bristol’s once trailblazing what’s-on guide, is to disappear completely in a move described as a “sad day” for the city by its founder and former owner. 
Local World, the London-based media group which now owns the digital-only title along with the Bristol Post and Western Daily Press, is to pull the plug on the website today – ending more than 30 years of pioneering journalism, reviews and listings at Venue.
Dougal Templeton launched the magazine in 1982 with a group of dedicated Bristol journalists, establishing it as the definitive guide to life in Bristol, as well as providing investigative reports on health, policing and environmental issues. It was also a strident champion of Bristol’s arts, music and comedy scenes and the launch pad for many journalists’ careers.
Bristol United Press (BUP), the company which at the time owned the Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press, bought Venue in 2000. However in 2011 the print version was killed off with the blame being put on falling circulation and advertising revenues.
Venue became part of the Folio lifestyle magazine but this arrangement ended in 2012 and it has since been online only. The website is due to close later today.
Mr Templeton said Local World would “come to regret” the decision.
“Having taken over the stewardship of a highly-regarded, invaluable and profitable organisation, it is distressing to see Venue has finally been driven into the ground,” he told the Bristol24-7 website.
“[It is being] sacrificed on the altar of boosting the [Bristol] Post’s flagging paper sales.
“It’s a sad day for Bristol and for the many fine journalists and contributors who worked for Venue.
“The one positive outcome from Venue’s closure will be the opportunity for something else to take its place. Local World will come to regret their regressive decision.”
The remaining staff at Venue were told last month that the digital-only version would cease to exist as a separate entity from the end of November.
What’s on and entertainment content is now to be taken on fully by the Bristol Post on a new website.
In an email to staff, managing director of Local World’s Bristol News and Media division Sarah Pullen described the move as a “fantastic opportunity to grow our digital audience”.
