Exclusive Interview: Katie Caperton on OK!'s Reinvention, New Hires & Rumors She's Being Replaced

Katie Caperton, Editor in Chief of OK! Magazine (photo above), shared exclusively with CoverAwards her thoughts on OK!’s new heavier lifestyle focus, the reports that it’s becoming a weekly version of Elle Magazine and on those rumors that she’s being replaced by consultant Jason Oliver Nixon.

Why the “Elle Weekly” direction? Is this based on any type of research, e.g. focus groups, or a model from another publication overseas?

People keep mentioning “Elle” and that’s a beautiful magazine, but we’re looking to do something truly unique that extends the OK! brand and separates it from the pack. With dedicated travel, health, fashion and beauty sections, the brand has always had strong ties to lifestyle. We’re looking to bring those things to the forefront while still celebrating celebrity at the core of it all. We’ll always look to give readers some real insight into the celebrities they love. As far as research goes, we’ve done our due diligence out in Hollywood and have all the faith in the world that this direction is going to succeed.

Why do you think it will work?

There’s a track record here. Our most successful issues over time have been the weddings, the babies and the special times in celebrities’ lives that excite fans and readers, so that’s already in the magazine’s DNA. At the end of the day, the best access is what we’ve been continually striving for, and we’ll continue to do that in an enhanced way. We’re going to package it differently and we’re excited to introduce that to everyone in the coming weeks.

With the economy continuing to struggle, why are you going in this upscale direction at this time?

There’s always been an aspirational quality to celebrity magazines — the expensive bags, cars and homes, it’s all a part of the detail that sells magazines. Why not showcase those elements in the most beautiful way possible?

How are you coping with the constant rumors that you’re being replaced by editorial consultant Jason Oliver Nixon?

We’re running a weekly magazine here and that’s challenging work. So, in all honesty, I don’t have much time to pay attention to rumors. With that said, Jason is a valued member of the team. We’re excited about having him here.