Entertainment Weekly Publisher: Jason Wagenheim

By Liz Howell

“It’s full on, full blown responsibility” says Jason Wagenheim of his new role as publisher of Entertainment Weekly. Wagenheim oversees all departments of the established brand and could not be more excited. “ I come to work every day and I think I am the luckiest guy in the world, which is a very empowering place to be. You have to feel good about what you do.”

He graduated in 1995 with a degree in advertising and public relations from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, but not before he founded Garnet & Black magazine in Student Media. “I credit my career track with the experience I had in the journalism school and to Student Media. They really set me up well walking out the door.”

Wagenheim has held the position since December and previously was associate publisher of Vanity Fair. The switch from Condé Nast to Time, Inc. was a growth opportunity in a category he is wildly passionate about – entertainment.

Today, he is planning for the future of the magazine industry. “It’s not just about words on paper any more; it’s about these other devices that need really good content.” What is most exciting for him is the opportunity to invent the next chapter of the business and how magazines will both connect with the reader, and ultimately the advertiser.

Wagenheim says he does not feel overwhelmed with the newfound responsibility. “It is exciting to come to work and sit on the other side of the table with your clients and colleagues, coming up with programs that are beyond the page.” He plans on establishing a big “moment” or themed issue for the brand.

Instead of just selling pages in the magazine, it has become much more than that. He says it is a very creative time for this industry because of the need to tie together both print and interactive content. “You have to continue to be the innovator who can merge between entertainment and technology. It becomes more powerful every day.”

Despite the challenges of this ever-changing industry, Wagenheim’s upbeat personality and innovative thinking have allowed him to easily fall into his desired position as publisher. “ I love this brand and I love the entertainment business.” It is a chance for him to work more closely with Hollywood and network in a new corporate culture at Time, Inc.

“I love the connection that readers have with magazines that they love. They are a great escape, and there will always be a place for a really great magazine.”