Recession Hits Ebony and Jet

Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co. decided last week to undergo a reorganization, which will require all current employees, including those working for Ebony and Jet magazines to reapply for their jobs. Many black radio shows are reaching out to the African-American community to renew or become a subscriber of both Ebony and Jet to assist the publishing company during this financial crunch.

When I think of Ebony and Jet I think of lighting bugs, moth balls, and Grandma’s house. Honestly, I rarely read Ebony and Jet, while they make me feel all nostalgic of my childhood I would not actually pay to read either magazine. They feel old to me; nothing about them makes me want to go out a grab the latest issue. Don’t get me wrong I may read a copy if I’m in Wal-Mart and the line is long, but I put them back on the rack when it’s my turn to check out.

Jet actually offends me with its beauty of the week. Really……….. what is the purpose of the beauty of the week? Not to mention the marriage section, they always highlight people with great jobs and degrees. I guess your average Joe Smoe and Suzie Que are just not worthy of getting their wedding picture in the magazine. Fashion Fair cosmetics seem to be the major advertiser in both magazines and who still wears Fashion Fair?

Everything about these magazines seem old and out of touch with Generation X’ers. Sadly, they can not count on me to help them doing their financial crunch. But I will give the magazines a few tips

1. Get rid of beauty of the week…………NOW
2. Scrap the whole marriage section
3. Hire a younger hipper staff
4. Redesign the magazine in a way that is sleek, functional and refreshing
5. Discuss topics that are interesting to people under the age of 40
6. GET MORE ADVERTISERS
7. Finally………..REINVENT the entire magazine(s).