Archive for June, 2008
BONNIE FULLER'S NEXT PROJECT IS…
In what to many will appear to be a huge puff piece on one of the most scrutinized editors in history, I applaud David Carr for writing such a comprehensive piece on Bonnie Fuller who has often been trashed in the press despite her incredible string of accomplishments.
David Carr takes us through her career and she indeed gets credit for re-inventing the magazine industry. “Through nearly two decades of vision and relentlessness, Fuller created a way of objectifying the A and B list that turned celebrities into not only our “friends,” but also American royals, unelected gods who walk among us,” according to Carr.
So what is she doing next? Russ Pillar, an investor and a former head of the interactive division of Viacom. Mr. Pillar says his company, the 5850 Group, is seeking to raise “tens of millions” to back Fuller as a brand: she has created a company called Bonnie Fuller Media, based in New York. He says the start-up will be heavily digital and offer a variety of femme-friendly products that will include, but not be limited to, gossip, fashion and romance.
Pillar sees Fuller as a reliable cash register. “Everyone who ever did business with her got paid and got paid very well,” he says.
Bonnie Fuller seems invigorated by her new ventured. “I like the idea of blue sky. It will be fun to make something brand new,” she says, unbowed by the fact that the digital space she covets is already crowded with more established players like iVillage and TMZ.
“Every time I have done something in my career, I have been told that the market was too cluttered, and every time my ability to connect with women has allowed me to break through,” Fuller adds.
With friends like these…
There are numerous quotes throughout the article, but perhaps the most memorable is the one from Janice Min who gives Bonnie the biggest compli-sult ever (compliment plus insult equals – you get it.)
“I think the biggest misconception about Bonnie is that she is somehow larger than life,” Min says. “She is quite the opposite, understated and speaking in a voice that is hard to hear. She is the first to tell you what a loser or nerd she is.” (Nice touch Janice.)
IS JANN WENNER SELLING US WEEKLY?
The New York Post is reporting that Jann Wenner is in talks with Condé Nast to sell Us Weekly for a reported $750 million.
“Jann is definitely trying to sell Us Weekly,” an industry source told the Post.
Earlier this week, Folio reported that Wenner was asked by Charlie Rose if he was selling Rolling Stone to Condé Nast. When Wenner seemed uncomfortable answering the question, the speculation began.
It now appears Rose was right about the talks, but wrong about the magazine.
A Wenner Media spokesman dismissed the talk: “There are no talks. Wenner Media and its properties are not for sale.”
(PR Translation: In my opinion, Jann is actively pursuing this sale! PR people are usually the last people to know anything of this nature.)
Today’s news leaves many questions unanswered?
- Will Condé Nast still be interested in Us Weekly once they receive the first-half ABC numbers for 2008, which will most likely be significantly less than the previous year?
- Does Janice Min come with the package?
- Is this why Us Weekly has been doing so many soft covers this year like the one above?
Bottom line: If this sale goes through, congrats to Jann Wenner who turned Us Weekly into one of the most successful publishing ventures in history.
BILLBOARD IS GETTING YOUNGER WITH MILEY CYRUS
Last week’s cover featured the Jonas Brothers and this week it’s Miley Cyrus. Among other things, she opens up about her Vanity Fair photo scandal. Was it really such a scandal after all?
CELEBRITY WEEKLIES: BEST & WORST
People wins the best celebrity weekly cover of the week – AGAIN – with this one featuring the dramatic Heather Locklear story.
To read my critique on People, click here.
Check out highlights from the story here.
BREAKING NEWS: Click here to see the story on Jann Wenner possible selling Us Weekly
Related Links: Mark Pasetsky Reviews the Covers of the Celebrity Weeklies
National Enquirer: Dr. Phil Cover
Life & Style: Partying to Mom’s Cover
TV Guide: Hot Bods Mario Lopez
Us Weekly: Reese Witherspoon & Jake Move in
Also – Check out Pasetsky’s recap of the following covers stories from this week’s celebrity weeklies:
NY TIMES: OBAMA & CLINTON DISPLAY OF HARMONY
Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton set off on their maiden political voyage on Friday, trading their rivalry from the presidential primary battle for a newfound display of harmony intended to set a fresh tone for any Democrats still harboring bitterness from their grueling duel, according to the New York Times.
For the complete article, click here.
Related: Barack Obama & HIllary Clinton Covers!
MILEY CRYUS TO BILLBOARD: I CAN’T BE PERFECT
Miley is Billboard Magazine’s cover girl this week. (Click here to see the cover)
She spoke with them about that whole messy Vanity Fair scandal, and said, “I was embarrassed… but also it’s like, every career thing that I do can’t be perfect, and sometimes my decisions are wrong.”
“ I think that just makes me even more relatable. I don’t think people will look at me any differently because they’re like,’You know what, I’m going to do stupid stuff too, and I’m going to make mistakes, and that’s fine.’ It still hurts when I think about it.”
Do you forgive her? I do.
HILLARY CLINTON: 'ONE PARTY, ONE AMERICA'
“Unity is not only a beautiful place as we can see, it’s a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? And I know when we start here in this field in Unity, we’ll end on the steps of the Capitol when Barack Obama takes the oath of office as our next president,”Hillary Clinton said just after she and Obama took the stage together.
Related: Barack Obama & HIllary Clinton Covers!
SHOULD OBAMA ASK CLINTON TO RUN AS HIS VP?
After seeing Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton appear together in Unity, New Hampshire – many are asking this very question.
What do you think?
Related: Barack Obama & HIllary Clinton Covers!
BARACK OBAMA SAYS HILLARY CLINTON ROCKS
Barack Obama Speaking About Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire
“I could not be happier, moved or more honored to be sharing the stage with Hillary Clinton.”
“I’ve admired her as a leader…She rocks. She rocks. That’s the point I’m trying to make. I’m proud to call her a friend. We’ll need Hillary & Bill Clinton in the years to come.”
Making history
“We started with separate goals but we made history together.”
“Sen. Clinton and I have both shattered barriers in this nation.”
This election
“The choice is not left vs. right, it’s past vs. future.”
“Unity is the only way that can solve challenges facing this country.”
“We must come together not just as democrats, but as Americans.”
“Decisions on Iraq, climate change, and economy will shape next generation.”
“It is time to begin a gradual responsible withdrawal from Iraq. It is time to rebuild our military and take care of our veterans.”
“It’s time to guarantee health care coverage to every American who wants it.”
“Solving the energy crisis must be one of the great projects of this generation.”
“We must invest in early childhood education…”We will make college affordable for every American.”
“We must raise minimum wage and ensure hard work pays off.”
On Moving Forward
“This is our chance to turn the page of the policies of the past 7 1/2 years. I promise if you join me and join Hillary…we are not just going to change this country, we will change the world.”
Related: Barack Obama & HIllary Clinton Covers!
BARACK OBAMA & HILLARY CLINTON UNITE FOR CHANGE
Hillary Clinton is speaking in support of Barack Obama in Unity, New Hampshire.
Here are highlights from her speech:
Their spirited debate:
“Today we are coming together for the same goal – to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. I was honored to be in this race with Barack and I’m proud that we had a spirited dialogue. That was the nicest way I can think of saying it. It was spirited because we both care so much.”
A United Democratic Party
“We are one party. We are one America. And we are not going to rest until we take back our country until we take it back and put it back on the path to peace prosperity in the 21st century.”
Public Service
“We believe in the old fashioned idea that public service is about helping people. Helping people solve their own problems and live out their own dreams.”
Electing a Democrat
“We must make sure we have a Democratic President next January.”
John McCain
If you like the direction this country is going, vote for McCain. If you think we need a new course, “you will get the change you need and deserve.”
To her supporters
“I hope you will work as hard for Sen Obama as you did for me.”
Related: Barack Obama & HIllary Clinton Covers!
