Terry McDonell Quotes
- Editor
- 1946
Terry McDonell is an American author, editor, and journalist known for his extensive career in the publishing industry. He has held top positions at major magazines such as Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated, and has also written several books.McDonell began his career as a sports writer…Read More
Terry McDonell is an American author, editor, and journalist known for his extensive career in the publishing industry. He has held top positions at major magazines such as Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated, and has also written several books.McDonell began his career as a sports writer for the Harvard Crimson and later joined Rolling Stone as an editor, eventually becoming the managing editor. He then went on to serve as the editor-in-chief of several publications, including Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Us Weekly.Throughout his career, McDonell has been praised for his innovative and influential approach to magazine editing, earning him the nickname “The Dean of American Magazine Editors.” He has also written several books, including “The Accidental Life: An Editor’s Notes on Writing and Writers” and “The Last Editor: How I Saved the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times from Dullness and Complacency.”McDonell’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence and the Henry Johnson Fisher Award for Lifetime Achievement in Magazine Journalism. He continues to be a highly respected figure in the publishing industry and a prolific writer.Read Less
Terry McDonell is an American author, editor, and journalist known for his extensive career in the publishing industry. He has held top positions at major magazines such as Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated, and has also written several books.McDonell began his career as a sports writer for the Harvard Crimson and later joined Rolling Stone as an editor, eventually becoming the managing editor. He then went on to serve as the editor-in-chief of several publications, including Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Us Weekly.Throughout his career, McDonell has been praised for his innovative and influential approach to magazine editing, earning him the nickname “The Dean of American Magazine Editors.” He has also written several books, including “The Accidental Life: An Editor’s Notes on Writing and Writers” and “The Last Editor: How I Saved the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times from Dullness and Complacency.”McDonell’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence and the Henry Johnson Fisher Award for Lifetime Achievement in Magazine Journalism. He continues to be a highly respected figure in the publishing industry and a prolific writer.
Terry McDonell Career Highlights
Terry McDonell began his career in publishing in the early 1970s, working as an editor for Rolling Stone magazine. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the managing editor of the magazine in 1976, at the young age of 28. During his time at Rolling Stone, he oversaw the publication of some of the most iconic and groundbreaking articles, including Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and Annie Leibovitz’s iconic photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
In 1983, McDonell left Rolling Stone to become the editor-in-chief of Esquire magazine. Under his leadership, Esquire became one of the most influential and widely read magazines in the country. He introduced a new style of journalism, blending literary writing with investigative reporting, and brought in renowned writers such as Tom Wolfe, Norman Mailer, and Gay Talese to contribute to the magazine.
In 1994, McDonell became the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated, where he oversaw the publication of some of the most memorable and impactful sports stories of the time. He also launched the highly successful Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine, which became the most widely read sports magazine for children.
In 2002, McDonell joined Time Inc. as the editor of Time magazine, where he oversaw the publication’s coverage of major events such as the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War. He also launched the highly successful Time 100 list, which ranks the most influential people in the world.
In addition to his work in print media, McDonell has also made significant contributions to the digital media landscape. He served as the editor of the online magazine, Slate, and was the founding editor of the literary website, LitHub.
Key Contributions by Terry McDonell
Throughout his career, Terry McDonell has been known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to publishing. He has a keen eye for talent and has consistently brought in some of the most talented writers and journalists to contribute to the publications he has led. He has also been a pioneer in incorporating digital media into traditional print publications, recognizing the importance of adapting to the changing media landscape.
McDonell’s leadership style is also worth noting. He is known for his hands-on approach and his ability to inspire and motivate his team. He encourages creativity and risk-taking, which has resulted in some of the most groundbreaking and award-winning stories being published under his leadership.
What Sets Him Apart:
One of the key factors that set Terry McDonell apart from others in the industry is his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing media landscape. He has successfully navigated the transition from print to digital media and has been at the forefront of incorporating new technologies and platforms into traditional publications.
McDonell’s keen eye for talent and his ability to bring together diverse voices and perspectives have also set him apart. He has a knack for identifying emerging trends and has consistently been ahead of the curve in terms of content and storytelling.
Takeaways
There are several key takeaways from Terry McDonell’s career that can be applied to any industry or profession. Firstly, his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing times is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Secondly, his emphasis on creativity and risk-taking highlights the importance of thinking outside the box and taking calculated risks. Lastly, his leadership style, which focuses on collaboration and fostering a creative and inclusive environment, is a valuable lesson for anyone in a leadership position.
In conclusion, Terry McDonell’s career highlights, key contributions, and unique qualities make him a highly influential and respected figure in the world of media and publishing. His impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come, and his success serves as an inspiration for aspiring journalists and media professionals.