Consumers Digest

Founded in 1959[1] and published by Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, Consumers Digest ISSN 0010-7182 was an American magazine. It was based in Chicago.[1]

The magazine had no subscribers and did not test the products they select as 'Best Buys'. Instead, companies paid Consumers Digest for the right to promote their products as 'Best Buys'. They relied on consumer confusion of their name with the well-known Consumer Reports magazine, published by the nonprofit organization Consumers Union.[2][3][4] Consumers Digest Communications is a privately owned, for-profit business entity.[5]

History

The magazine was sold at newsstands only and did not reveal its sales figures.[6] In 2001, when it ceased subscription distribution, it listed 700,000 subscribers (the list was sold to Time, Inc.).[7] The publication has no connection with the Consumer Reports magazine or with Consumers Digest Weekly. It was possible to subscribe to the on-line edition of Consumers Digest.[8]

Controversy

Consumers Digest had a history of not paying its contributors. In an October 30, 2017, article published by Talking Biz News (TBN), it was reported that at least three journalists were suing the company run by publisher Randy Weber for nonpayment. Two other journalists also shared their attempts to collect on what was owed them.[9]

As of February 2019, following multiple, additional lawsuits from 2018, it appeared the company had closed down, as the website no longer was active and the company phone number was disconnected.

References
  1. "Consumer Reports Takes Consumers Digest to Task". Los Angeles Times. Chicago. June 26, 1996. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  2. Dolan, Matthew (October 5, 2010). "Auto Awards Clouded by Fees --- GM, Others Pay Consumers Digest for Right to Promote Vehicles as 'Best Buys'". The Wall Street Journal. p. B4. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  3. Niedermeyer, Edward (October 5, 2010). "The Truth About Consumers Digest". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  4. "Complaint Review: Consumers Digest - Owner Randy Weber". Ripoff Report. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  5. "Message from the Publisher | Consumers Digest". www.consumersdigest.com. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  6. Parks, Joy (April 27, 2011). "How to Pitch: Consumers Digest". Archived from the original on March 10, 2012.
  7. Lefevre, Lori (August 9, 2001). "Time Inc. Acquires Consumers Digest Lists". Adweek. Retrieved 2016-05-06. Time Inc.'s Personal Finance Group has acquired the subscription lists of defunct Consumers Digest and Your Money magazines, an executive said Thursday.
  8. "Get Access Now To ConsumersDigest.com | Consumers Digest". www.consumersdigest.com. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  9. Roush, Chris (October 30, 2017). "Journalists sue Consumers Digest over nonpayments". Talking Biz News. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
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