The Powers That Be: Daily Media Monday: VF Regime Change & Kornacki Politics
Apr 7, 2025
Radhika Jones' exit from Vanity Fair sparks a discussion on the future of publishing and the pressures facing journalism today. The shift in talent at MSNBC, particularly Steve Kornacki's transition to NBCUniversal, raises questions about network dynamics. As Kornacki joins ESPN's Sunday Night Football, the impact on sports commentary is also explored. The conversation dives into the balance between commercial viability and journalistic integrity against a backdrop of evolving audience expectations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Radhika Jones's Vanity Fair Tenure
- Radhika Jones's departure from Vanity Fair was a surprise, but her editorship saw declining revenues and alienated the magazine's core audience.
- Her first cover featuring Lena Waithe in casual attire symbolized her misunderstanding of Vanity Fair's business model.
Graydon Carter's Business Acumen
- Graydon Carter's success at Vanity Fair stemmed from a three-pronged business model: Hollywood studios promoting films, fashion houses advertising through stars, and high-quality journalism attracting intellectuals.
- This model allowed him to invest in substantial non-fiction pieces while generating over $200 million in U.S. revenue during its peak.
Radhika Jones's Editorial Approach
- Radhika Jones, while intelligent, lacked the editorial and financial understanding to navigate the changing media landscape.
- Her attempts to modernize the magazine alienated the existing audience without attracting a new, profitable demographic.