Usmagazine is a magazine centered in the bustling heart of New York City. It has been a staple in the world of celebrity and entertainment since its inception in 1977. This magazine was first established by The New York Times Company, which, in 1980, passed the torch to new ownership.
In 1986, a pivotal turning point arrived when Wenner Media took the reins, infusing new energy and direction into the publication. However, the winds of change continued to blow, and in 2017, American Media Inc. stepped forward as the new custodian of Us magazine. Following this transition, former editor James Heidenry made his exit, making way for Jennifer Peros to steer the ship. The guiding hand of Dylan Howard, the chief content officer at American Media, ensures the magazine’s continued excellence.
Us magazine‘s vibrant pages are a kaleidoscope of topics, from the whirlwind world of celebrity relationships to the ever-evolving trends in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Unsurprisingly, as of 2017, the magazine boasted an impressive paid circulation, averaging over 1.95 million copies every week, captivating the hearts and minds of more than 50 million avid readers.
The magazine’s journey has not been without transformation
From its early days as a monthly industry news and review publication akin to Premiere or Entertainment Weekly, it metamorphosed in 2000 into the source of celebrity news and style we know today. Us magazine, a beacon in the world of entertainment journalism, continues to evolve, delighting its audience with its ever-changing allure.
Back in the autumn of 2006, Usmagazine.com took its first steps onto the web. It’s more than just an online version of the magazine. On the website, you can find a blog with the latest celebrity news as it breaks, exclusive photos, glamorous red-carpet snapshots from premieres and events, as well as a bundle of fun stuff like games, videos, quizzes, and polls.
Us magazine has a few special editions that fans eagerly await each year. The Hot Hollywood issues in both spring and fall celebrate the rising stars in Tinseltown. They also share the Best Bodies and Makeovers issues, all filled with exciting content.
One noteworthy tidbit: Janet Jackson graced the cover of Us magazine on June 5, 2006, and that issue is still the magazine’s all-time bestseller. It’s a testament to the magazine’s enduring popularity.
Usmagazine History
In the year 1977, U Mag burst onto the scene, initially as a magazine that graced the stands every two weeks, brought to life by The New York Times Company. However, those early days weren’t all sunshine and roses, as the magazine struggled financially until it finally savored the sweet taste of profit in 1980. At that point, a change in ownership took place, with Macfadden Media stepping in.
But the winds of change continued to blow, and in 1985, Jann Wenner took the reins, making Us part of the Wenner Media LLC family, alongside notable siblings like Rolling Stone and Men’s Journal. In 1991, Us made another transformation, shifting from a bi-monthly publication to a monthly one.
Then, in 1999, a significant announcement rippled through the industry as plans were unveiled to switch Us from a monthly to a weekly publication. This transformation also marked a shift in content as the magazine evolved from industry news and reviews to a celebrity-centric news source. This strategic move was driven by various market factors, including the success of Entertainment Weekly and People magazines under the Time, Inc. umbrella.
Jann Wenner’s vision for Usmagazine was clear: it would be a haven of celebrity goodwill, a contrast to the gossipier nature of its competitors. He openly shared his intention with The New York Times, saying, “We will be nice to celebrities. A lot of my friends are in the entertainment business.” With a keen eye on celebrity fashion and the latest Hollywood chatter, Us embraced its new identity.
A notable figure in Us’s fashion history was Kelli Delaney, who served as the fashion director from 1992 to 1995. The grand transformation officially unfolded in March 2000, setting the stage for Us’s journey into the world of weekly celebrity-focused journalism.
A new chapter for Usmagazine
Back in the February of 2001, Jann Wenner joined hands with The Walt Disney Company, marking an interesting chapter in Us’s journey. From 2002 to 2003, Bonnie Fuller held the editorial reins, and under her guidance, the magazine underwent a significant makeover. She breathed life into a fresh and modern celebrity newsweekly, introducing iconic sections like “Stars Are Just Like Us.”
In the Summer of 2003, the guard changed as Janice Min took the role of editor-in-chief, while Victoria Lasdon Rose became the publisher and Michael Steele was the executive editor. In 2009, Steele took the helm from Min, steering the ship forward. Meanwhile, Melanie Bromley served as the magazine’s dedicated bureau chief on the West Coast from 2007 to 2012.
Then, in August 2006, a noteworthy twist unfolded when Wenner Media reacquired Disney’s 50 percent stake, restoring full ownership and operation of the publication to Wenner Media’s hands. But the story doesn’t end there. In 2017, another chapter began as the magazine changed hands once again, this time finding a new home under the ownership of American Media, Inc. It’s a journey filled with transitions and transformations, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity journalism.
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