Changes at Essence Magazine?

[AKA2D '91]

From Black America Web:

Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Diane Weathers Resigns
Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2005
By: Monica Lewis, BlackAmericaWeb.com

With the sale of Essence Magazine to Time Warner Inc. now final, readers of the popular monthly publication must now face yet another major change.

Diane Weathers, editor-in-chief of Essence since 2001, announced her resignation this week. Weathers, whose journalism career has spanned three decades, cited personal and professional reasons for the move, stressing that she needed more time to focus on her family. She and husband, New York Times reporter Ron Smothers, are the parents of two teenage daughters.

Weathers’ resignation comes at a time when Essence, long known for providing insightful and inspiring material that reflected black women and their lives, is undergoing a major transition._ Last January, Time Warner sealed a deal acquiring 51 percent of the magazine’s parent company, Essence Communications Partners. The finalized deal is rumored to be valued worth close to $170 million when considering Essence’s brand power, as well as ancillary businesses like the popular Essence Music Festival, a book publishing company, plus hosiery and eyewear lines.

Also this year, Essence announced suspension of the magazine Suede, their effort to reach a younger audience. The magazine had only been in production since last September. It is reported that Weathers did not leave because of the failed project.

The largest publishing company in the world, Time Warner purchased 49 percent of Essence in 2000. The magazine now joins Time Inc.’s distinguished publication family, among them Time, People, Sports Illustrated and Fortune.

In Essence, Time Inc. now gets a product that has a monthly circulation of one million and an overall readership of 7.6 million. It is the second-largest black publication behind Ebony.

Nyja Greene, a 32-year-old TV producer from New York, told BlackAmericaWeb.com that she’s disappointed that Weathers was stepping down now.

“It’s upsetting that she would resign at such a time as this,” said Greene, an Essence reader for more than 10 years. “She was a leader, and women looked to her every month to direct the magazine and make sure their issues were addressed.”

With new ownership and now a new editor, Greene is fearful that something could be lost.

“I’m hoping that the magazine will continue to educate and empower African-American women of today, as well the girls coming up,” Greene said. “Whoever is selected, I hope that they are taking the helm of Essence seriously. It has been such a staple in our community for so long.

“I hope that they have a sincere dedication to the mission of Essence,” Greene added, “and aren’t taking the helm just to be a part of Time Inc.”

MarvaLisa Scott, an IT consultant in Philadelphia, was also disheartened by Weathers’ resignation. Since the Time Warner acquisition was announced earlier this year, Scott, 49, said she’s been concerned about potential changes to a publication she’s subscribed to for more than 20 years. In her opinion, the magazine's already adopted more of an entertainment focus.

“I ask myself, 'Will people of color have much impact at Essence?'” said Scott. “As the changes continue, I’m afraid that we will see more of other cultural influences.”

Both Greene and Scott agree that Weathers had a hard act to follow in former editor Susan L. Taylor, currently the magazine’s editorial director. Even though Monique Greenwood was Taylor’s initial replacement when she stepped down in 2000 after nearly 20 years in the editor’s chair, readers can’t help but think of Taylor when Essence comes to mind, Greene said.

“When it comes to Essence, everyone associates Susan Taylor with it,” Greene said.

Scott was actually surprised that Weathers had not left earlier. Her predecessor, Greenwood, lasted about a year.

“Even though Susan Taylor stepped down as editor, they created a new job for her,” Scott said. “Just like anybody else starting a new job, that can be a difficult situation to be in.”

Industry rumors are that former Heart and Soul editor Corynne Corbett will be tapped as the next person attempting to fill Taylor’s shoes.

BlackAmericaWeb was unable to contact an Essence spokesperson at press time.

Whoever takes on the responsibility, Scott hopes that, in finding their own voice, that they are able to continue being a leader for black women.

“I don’t think you ever got the sense that [Weathers] was the editor,” Scott said. “But Essence still has very pertinent issues to address for Black women. I just hope that whoever takes charge, they will be able to keep those issues on the forefront.”