Russian publishing group Afisha announced in a corporate letter that its magazine Bolshoi Gorod will no longer be distributed for free, Lenta.ru reported Tuesday. The decision was made following the possibly worsening advertising industry in Russia.

Afisha can no longer afford printing costs and free distribution of 11 of its regional magazines, the letter said. Starting early next year there will be a single “centralised” edition of Bolshoi Gorod in Russia, which will cost between RUB 30 (US$1.1) and RUB40 (US$1.5).

The letter, written by the publisher's director Iliya Oskolkov-Tsentsiper, mentioned that the magazine's audiences may not necessarily decline, because of “effective distribution” plans and Bolshoi Gorod's loyal readers.

Lenta.ru also reported that it was not able to get a statement from the publishing house on Tuesday.

Bolshoi Gorod has been released since 2002. Its nearly 342 thousand copies are circulated around cafés, restaurants and business centres.