For over two decades, Antigravity Magazine has been a fiercely independent voice in New Orleans that has refused to conform to the mainstream political system or cater to polite sensibilities. It has been an outlet for radical honesty, artistic experimentation, and unapologetically progressive thought. Through its monthly issues, the publication offered arts coverage and album reviews; and, even more so, it gave a platform to the misfits, the marginalized, and the many New Orleanians who felt unseen by traditional media. Its voter guides, often cynical but deeply researched, became essential reading during election season, providing context and critique that readers couldn’t find anywhere else.
Now, Antigravity is facing the possibility of folding by the end of the year. Editor and publisher Dan Fox recently confirmed that the magazine is “staring down the possibility” of closure, citing a near-total reliance on advertising dollars for revenue. “Our income is like 99% advertiser-based,” Fox told Axios. “A lot of businesses are operating on fumes, so when they look at things like advertising, that’s one of the first things to go.” The publication still plans to release issues in August and September, and hopefully one in October, but beyond that, the future remains uncertain.
The struggle Antigravity faces isn’t unique. The broader media landscape, both nationally and locally, has shifted dramatically in recent years. As free digital content replaced paid subscriptions and social media giants siphoned off the lion’s share of ad dollars, even long-established outlets have struggled to survive. In New Orleans, where many independent businesses are barely staying afloat, the ripple effects have hit local media particularly hard.
But losing Antigravity would be more than just the loss of a magazine. For many in the community, it represents a trusted source of culture, commentary, and accountability. Its photo issue, released every August for over a decade, became a beloved annual tradition. Its features on social justice, politics, food, and local art gave voice to movements and individuals often left out of mainstream narratives. Even when readers, to include ourselves at Big Easy Magazine, disagreed with some of its editorial stances, there was no denying its integrity, consistency, and courage.
Senior editor Holly Devon’s latest column seems to have sparked a surge of new subscriptions, which Fox welcomes. But the real need, he says, is new advertising dollars, funding that can keep the publication’s operations alive month to month. “Antigravity is a love letter to New Orleans every month,” he said. “I would hate to see New Orleans without it.”
In a media environment increasingly dominated by clickbait, consolidation, and sanitized reporting, Antigravity has stood as a defiant alternative. Its closure would leave a void not easily filled. It’s a reminder of how fragile independent journalism can be, and how much is lost when those who speak truth to power are forced into silence.
