Newsweek, one of the world’s most renowned news publications, has reached a major milestone:
its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1933, Newsweek has been providing readers with reports on
war, economic upheaval, scientific progress, and social changes for nearly a century.
In a message to all Newsweek staff, CEO Dev Pragad reflected on the publication’s legacy and
the qualities that have sustained it for so long. “To people across America, and later around the
globe, Newsweek brought reports of war and economic upheaval, of scientific progress and
startling social changes. Reporters and editors then, as now, were driven by curiosity, eager to
examine the world that was changing around them,” he wrote.
Over the years, Newsweek has covered some of the most significant events in history, from the space program and the women’s movement to Vietnam and 9/11. Its coverage has been characterized by a commitment to factual and fair reporting and a willingness to embrace diverse views and voices. “At the core of this transformation is our Mission Statement: Newsweek speaks to—and listens to—readers across the political and cultural spectrum. We are committed to journalism that is factual and fair. We believe good-faith debate is in the public interest, and we welcome diverse views and voices to the search for common ground,” Pragad wrote.
Newsweek has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a move to digital-only publishing in 2012 and financial struggles that nearly led to its collapse. However, the publication has successfully transformed itself for the digital age and is once again available in print. According to Pragad, more than 50 million Americans read Newsweek every month, and the publication is back in print with a weekly issue, unlike many of its former competitors.
“The company has around 250 staffers across mostly the U.S. and U.K. Roughly 80% of the staff are journalists,” said Chief Strategy Officer Dayan Candappa.
The success of Newsweek’s transformation is due in part to its commitment to meeting the needs of its audience. The publication has launched content hubs on a range of topics, including diversity, high school debate, climate, military, gaming, and health and wellness. These hubs will use video, social media, podcasts, articles, newsletters, and live events to take the audience on a journey to the center, to common ground. “Our new homepage and article page designs, which will roll out this year, bring the mission to life. The content hubs that we’re about to launch—Better, which focuses on diversity, and Mightier, which will support debate at under-resourced high schools and amplify those students’ voices—demonstrate how our mission is woven through all we do. Our Climate hub will spotlight individuals who are making a positive difference and new technologies that could bolster the planet’s health,” Pragad wrote.
As Newsweek celebrates its 90th anniversary, it is clear that the publication’s commitment to quality journalism and its willingness to embrace change has been key to its success. “None of Newsweek’s achievements or goals would be possible without all of you: your talent, integrity, resilience, and hard work. I thank each of you. Together, we’ll celebrate Newsweek’s past and future throughout this milestone year,” said Dev Pragad.
Looking toward the future, Newsweek remains committed to providing its readers with factual, fair, and engaging news and analysis. As the world continues to evolve, Newsweek will be there, telling the stories that matter and helping to shape the course of history.