The End Of mX; The End Of An Era

“It’s the end of an era!”

That quote is taken out of context, but there’s no more fitting way describe the decision to shut down a free afternoon publication that’s been circulating since 2001.

The impending closure of the mX newspapers is a significantly sad day for any daily commuters who sought entertainment before technology became a more popular alternative.

Distributed daily at train stations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, it offered unique news stories and fun puzzles.

However, more than that, it provided an opportunity for conversations between commuters through a section known as ‘Talk’, dedicated to commuters sharing opinions about various topics (newsworthy or otherwise), sharing interesting conversations they overheard on their journey or providing advice and compliments to others when needed.

The mX was different because its popularity was derived from its ability to provide consumers with light entertainment whilst enduring the trials and tribulations of public transport. It prevented the otherwise inevitable sense of boredom and irritation which plagues most commuters on a regular basis.

It’s a shame knowing that, as of June 15, this source will no longer be available to us. Technology may be the entertainment of choice nowadays, but I certainly won’t forget the fact that this newspaper existed to improve long school and work days, or at the very least, allowed us to escape the reality of a bad day, even for thirty minutes or so.

mX will be missed, not only because it provided entertaining reading material, but because the closure of mX could signal the closure of discussions between commuters in a unique fashion.

Emily Lam is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.