George (magazine)

George (magazine). Launched in September 1995, *George* was a bold and unconventional American magazine that sought to bridge the worlds of politics and popular culture. Founded by John F. Kennedy Jr., it was named for George Washington and aimed to make political discourse more accessible and engaging to a general audience. The publication was known for its provocative covers, celebrity interviews, and stylish presentation, ultimately ceasing publication in March 2001 following financial struggles after Kennedy's tragic death.

History and founding

The concept for *George* was developed by John F. Kennedy Jr. in the early 1990s, who partnered with publishing veteran Michael J. Berman to bring his vision to life. With backing from Hachette Filipacchi Media, the magazine launched with significant fanfare in September 1995, capitalizing on Kennedy's immense celebrity and his family's storied legacy in American politics. The founding editorial team sought to create a publication that would demystify the Washington, D.C. establishment for a generation weaned on MTV and Hollywood. The launch was a major media event, covered extensively by outlets like The New York Times and CNN, and the inaugural issue featured model Cindy Crawford dressed as George Washington on its cover, immediately signaling its blend of politics and pop spectacle.

Content and editorial focus

*George*'s editorial mission was to cover politics as entertainment and personality-driven culture, often through a satirical and visually arresting lens. Its pages featured lengthy profiles and interviews with figures ranging from Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich to Madonna and George Clooney, treating them all as compelling characters in a national narrative. The magazine was renowned for its daring and often controversial cover images, such as portraying Richard Nixon with the headline "If He Were President" or featuring a scantily clad Drew Barrymore saluting the flag. Regular sections included political commentary, fashion spreads with a thematic twist, and investigative pieces that aimed to uncover the human stories behind Capitol Hill and K Street.

Notable contributors and staff

Beyond its famous founder, *George* attracted a roster of prominent writers, editors, and photographers. John F. Kennedy Jr. served as editor-in-chief and contributed essays, while Michael J. Berman acted as the founding publisher. Notable political journalists like Matt Bai and Richard Blow held senior editorial positions. The magazine featured contributions from an array of literary and cultural figures, including novelist Toni Morrison, historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., and cartoonist Garry Trudeau. Celebrity interviews were often conducted by other celebrities, such as John Travolta interviewing Bill Clinton, reinforcing its cross-pollination of different fame ecosystems.

Cultural impact and legacy

*George* left a distinct mark on late-1990s media by challenging the staid conventions of political journalism and presaging the later fusion of politics and celebrity culture seen in outlets like Politico and TMZ. Its aesthetic influenced later publications like Vanity Fair in their political coverage. The magazine became a cultural touchstone, its covers generating widespread debate and media coverage, effectively making politics a topic of watercooler conversation. While sometimes criticized for being superficial, *George* is credited with engaging a younger, more diverse demographic in political discourse during an era marked by the Clinton impeachment and the 2000 United States presidential election.

Circulation and business model

Initially, *George* enjoyed strong newsstand sales and a paid circulation that peaked near 400,000, buoyed by the public's fascination with John F. Kennedy Jr. Its business model relied heavily on advertising from luxury brands, fashion houses, automotive companies, and liquor distributors, which aligned with its upscale, glossy presentation. However, the magazine struggled to achieve consistent profitability in a competitive market dominated by established titles like Time and Newsweek. Advertising revenue proved volatile, and the high production costs associated with its lavish design and photography contributed to ongoing financial pressures for its parent company, Hachette Filipacchi Media.

Cessation and aftermath

The death of John F. Kennedy Jr. in a plane crash in July 1999 was a devastating blow from which *George* never recovered. Kennedy was the magazine's heart, star, and primary draw. Although it continued publication under editor Frank Lalli, it lost its defining vision and struggled to maintain its identity and audience. Facing declining circulation and advertising, Hachette Filipacchi Media announced the magazine's closure in January 2001, with the final issue published in March of that year. The demise of *George* marked the end of a unique experiment in publishing and remains a poignant footnote in the legacies of both John F. Kennedy Jr. and the media landscape of the 1990s. Category:American political magazines Category:Defunct magazines published in the United States Category:Magazines established in 1995 Category:Magazines disestablished in 2001