Josh Kushner, the venture capitalist behind Thrive Capital, and his wife Karlie Kloss, a model and entrepreneur, have teamed up to buy the publication rights to Life magazine from Dotdash Meredith. The iconic photography-focused magazine, which has taken on various forms over the years, will now resume regular print publication under the leadership of the couple. With a focus on blending culture, current events, and everyday life, Kushner and Kloss aim to make Life an uplifting and unifying voice in today’s chaotic media landscape. The deal was orchestrated through Bedford Media, the media start-up led by Kloss as CEO.
Life magazine, once a central part of American culture with contributions from renowned photographers and authors, fell out of favor after the 1970s and eventually became an online archive with occasional newsstand editions. The move to bring it back to print is part of a trend in the media industry to resurrect legacy publications during challenging times. Old-school publishers like Condé Nast and newer players like Vox and Vice have struggled amidst a downturn in advertising. However, Kushner and Kloss are optimistic that their focused approach will help Life succeed.
In addition to Life magazine, Kushner and Kloss have also acquired other famous titles such as i-D from Vice and W magazine. Bedford Media, their media start-up, will begin hiring senior editorial staff for Life as they aim to resume regular publishing early next year. The couple’s vision for the publication includes not only print and online content but also events and collaborations with brands and major studios. Dotdash Meredith will remain involved in the venture, owning the rights to Life’s vast photo and content archive and continuing to publish special single-topic print editions.
The media landscape is evolving, with high-profile deals and developments taking place in various sectors. Disney recently ended its legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over a special tax district, while Amazon invested $2.75 billion more into Anthropic, an artificial intelligence start-up. Deal-making has rebounded in the first quarter of the year, with about $690.2 billion worth of mergers announced, a 30% increase from the same period last year. However, the fate of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is facing sentencing for fraud and conspiracy charges, is uncertain, with prosecutors seeking a lengthy prison term.
As inflation remains a concern for investors and policymakers, the upcoming release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures index is closely watched. Strong data could influence the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates, potentially affecting market expectations for rate cuts. The A.I. industry is also attracting attention, with Silicon Valley ramping up lobbying efforts to shape regulatory debates. The industry’s focus on China, as well as calls for global prioritization of A.I. safety, are shaping discussions in Washington and beyond.
