Today, after 31 years, we are sad to announce that Salon will be ceasing publication.
It’s hard to find the right words to end something that means so much to so many people. Salon has never been just a website. It was an idea of what journalism could be, born at a time when the internet was still a largely unexplored frontier.
When Salon launched in November 1995, the Internet was a very different place. A small group of journalists set out to create something original: a publication with a strong voice, a curiosity about the world, and a belief that the Internet could connect journalism and readers in new ways. They helped usher in a form of journalism that would define a whole new era of publishing.
For thirty years, the Salon has brought together politics, culture, criticism and ideas in a unique way. Our journalism examines power and politics, questioning assumptions, uncovering stories that deserve attention and making space for perspectives that are often overlooked. Our writers and editors help shape the conversation about the power that changes our lives. The job is definitely more than just keeping up with the news. It’s about understanding it.
The history of a salon is also the history of the people who created it. Our sincere thanks go to the reporters, editors, photographers, producers, designers, business teams and countless other colleagues who bring the many chapters of this publication to life. To the founders who imagined it, the staff who built it, the contributors who gave it its voice, and the alumni who carry its spirit into the world: thank you. The legacy of Sharon belongs to all of you.
We also want to thank our readers. You come to the Salon for news, conversation, essays, criticism, unexpected discoveries, and the feeling that having an idea online matters. You read, share, challenge, subscribe, write to us and keep coming back. Your participation makes Salon a publication and a community and gives our work meaning. We really appreciate the time you spent with us.
The business realities of independent digital journalism have changed profoundly over the years. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision that our publishing model is no longer sustainable. We know this news will be deeply disappointing to many of you, and we share our sadness.
Thirty-one years is a remarkable journey, but what matters most is what happened during those years: the news, the ideas, the voices, the conversations and the communities that grew around them. Salon helped demonstrate what digital journalism can be and become. We hope this legacy will remain relevant long after today.
Thank you for being part of our story. This is an extraordinary privilege.
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