Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair and writer behind Airmail, shares insights from his storied career. He discusses the golden era of magazines and the challenges that led to Vanity Fair's decline post-2008. Carter offers a candid look at the evolving media landscape and emphasizes the importance of editorial integrity amidst financial pressures. He also expresses optimism about digital ventures and reflects on the personal dynamics that shaped the culture of high-profile magazine production.
Graydon Carter reflects on how his influential tenure at Vanity Fair defined a golden age of magazine publishing through high-quality storytelling and creativity.
The conversation emphasizes the delicate balance between journalism and advertising revenue, highlighting how both can coalesce to maintain editorial integrity in print media.
Carter's new venture, Airmail, aims to replicate a magazine sensibility in the digital realm, focusing on quality content and international perspectives.
Deep dives
The Journey of Pulitzer Prize Winners
The episode delves into the significance of the Pulitzer Prizes, highlighting how they recognize outstanding work in journalism, literature, and the arts. Winners share their personal experiences, emphasizing the extensive effort, risk, and creativity invested in their acclaimed works. Anecdotes from various creatives underline the transformative impact of these awards on their careers and lives. The conversation reveals a deep respect for the craft of storytelling and the dedication required to achieve such high standards.
Graydon Carter's Influence on Vanity Fair
Graydon Carter's tenure as editor of Vanity Fair is examined, detailing how he shaped the magazine during what is referred to as its golden age. His experiences and insights reflect a vibrant era of magazine publishing, marked by high-profile writers and influential storytelling. Carter's ability to cultivate a collegial office culture fostered creativity and collaboration among staff, which played a critical role in the magazine's success. His reflections also touch on the challenges of sustaining this culture in the evolving media landscape.
The Role of Advertising in Journalism
The discussion highlights the symbiotic relationship between strong journalism and advertising revenue, particularly during Carter's time at Vanity Fair. It underscores how the magazine's editorial content and creative advertising can coexist, enhancing both the financial health and quality of journalism. Carter emphasizes that successful magazines leverage advertiser relationships while maintaining journalistic integrity. This balance is crucial for ensuring that quality storytelling continues to thrive in an economically sustainable way.
The Evolution of Magazine Culture
The episode reflects on the drastic changes in the magazine industry, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of digital media. Carter notes how the distribution of information has shifted, making traditional magazine publication more challenging. Despite the changes, he maintains hope for a robust future in print, as long as editors can curate quality content that resonates with readers. The conversation contemplates the need for talented editors to navigate a noisy media environment and set a clear agenda.
Airmail: A New Vision for Journalism
The launch of Airmail, a digital publication founded by Carter, marks a new chapter in his career, aiming to recreate a magazine-like sensibility online. The platform emphasizes high-quality storytelling while drawing from international perspectives, filling a niche left by traditional media. Carter discusses the strategic partnerships and thoughtful curation that helped attract premium advertisers to Airmail. The creation and development of this new venture reflect a desire to continue fostering journalistic excellence in a rapidly changing industry.
The one and only Graydon Carter, architect of Vanity Fair’s golden era, joins Dylan for a candid conversation about the magazine industry's past, present, and future. Fresh off the release of his new book, ‘When the Going Was Good,’ Carter reflects on his legendary tenure with VF, dissects the publication’s decline after his departure, and grapples with the broader headwinds facing today’s media industry writ large. He also offers reasons for optimism, his vision for his digital-forward venture Air Mail, and much more.
