In another sign of the tough economic times in which we are living and, specifically, the decline in print media, Paste Magazine has suspended publication.

Over the span of eight years, Paste had become one of the leading entertainment publications in the U.S. Hailed as “the finest among American music titles” by The Wall Street Journal and cited by Utne Reader for bringing together “the best elements of the mainstream and indie press.” Paste earned dozens of Plug, Folio and Gamma Awards and two National Magazine Award nominations for general excellence.

In an announcement posted on the publication’s website Sept. 1, Josh Jackson, its co-founder and editor-in-chief, writes:

Today Paste Media Group announces, with deepest sadness, the suspension of the Paste magazine print product.

Struggles with mounting debt were made public last year when our readers responded with generosity to save the magazine. But the prolonged downturn of the ad market has forced a hiatus. All subscribers have access to the digital version of their magazines through the June/July issue on PasteMagazine.com. Paste, while considering strategic alternatives, is focusing on its digital assets, including PasteMagazine.com.

We thank all of those who have shown such tremendous support to a vision of independent media focused on Signs of Life in Music, Film & Culture.

Paste’s suspension of its print print publication follows that of Dirty Linen, No Depression, Performing Songwriter and others in recent years. Former writers and editors for Paste, Dirty Linen, Music Monthly and other publications last month launched an online-only publication. Driftwood Music Magazine (www.driftwoodmagazine.com) publishes reviews of folk, world, roots, alternative, rock and indie music.