Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp has chosen to cease publication of daily newspaper mX.

On Thursday afternoon, the Australian wing of the media company announced the axing of the tabloid, which was distributed for free to public transport commuters in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

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“The decision is a reflection of the changing reading habits of commuters who now turn to their mobile phones and tablets on their way to and from work,” a News Corp spokesman told The New Daily.

“News will continue to invest in our extensive suite of print and digital products, which are purchased and read by millions of Australians every day.”

The New Daily understands the newspaper’s last issue will be published on June 12.

Approximately 30 employees will be affected by the closure, with some but not all to be redeployed to other parts of the company.

The tabloid was first published in Melbourne in 2001 and focused on light news, sport and entertainment. It spread to Sydney in 2005 and Brisbane in 2007.

-with AAP.