LONG-established local magazine The Bermudian plans to publish just four issues a year instead of monthly under the terms of a down-sizing of the operations of its parent company, it was revealed yesterday.

The Bermudian Publishing Company also announced it was to make two staff redundant and cease publication of two of its titles, The Bermudian Market Digest, with immediate effect, and The Bermudian Business Directory, in 2006. Bermudian Business will continue to produce six editions a year.

In a statement yesterday, the company said it was making the changes "in order to remain viable for the future".

Other cost-cutting measures will involve the company's office relocating to a site outside Hamilton and its magazines being printed in the US, netting a cost saving of around 61 per cent compared with what it costs to print in Bermuda.

The Bermudian celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and Tina Stevenson, publisher and editor of the Bermudian Publishing Company, said the changes were aimed at allowing the magazine to thrive for another 75 years.

"As we reach our 75th anniversary, we have had to make some difficult, but necessary business decisions," Ms Stevenson said. "The cost of production and running a small business in Bermuda continues to grow and so we have had to look at how we can operate more efficiently.

"By reducing production of The Bermudian to four issues each year we plan to focus on our most popular features. By devoting our time to fewer issues, we will be able to spend three months researching and developing each issue, and therefore offer an enhanced product.

"We have always produced magazines that celebrate Bermuda's culture and international business successes. That will continue under the same management. We love being the voice of all that's good in Bermuda.

"At this time, I would like to extend my gratitude to our loyal staff and the Bermuda Press, particularly to Paget Wharton, for their superb service over many years."

A bumper September/October edition of The Bermudian is planned to celebrate the magazine's anniversary.

Beginning in 2006, the four issues of The Bermudian are likely to centre around the Interior Design awards, the Building Design awards, Best of Bermuda awards and Christmas.

The future of the book publishing division of the company is currently under consideration.

The magazines will contact existing subscribers directly regarding their subscriptions.