Evolving Ebony: the best gets better: a message from the president & CEO

During the past few months, you probably have noticed a number of changes in EBONY, some major and some a bit more subtle. The main idea behind this facelift is to make the magazine more appealing, more functional, more contemporary and more reader-friendly. With these various changes--in both content and presentation--I believe we're building upon our tradition of excellence.

As I have said in the past, EBONY is a work in progress, continually being shaped to meet the needs and desires of our readers in this ever-changing society. Through this regeneration and renewal of the magazine, you've seen the introduction of new entries (including a contributors' page, and monthly technology and "Two Sides" features). There are dazzling, appealing layouts with larger, more dramatic photographs; an expanded EBONY Essentials package; more focus on the arts and culture; an expanded look at women's and men's fashions; and there are more hard-hitting, topical and thought-provoking stories like "Enough: Why We Need To Stop Using The N-Word" and the special section (and cover) on the "Culture of Disrespect."

In this issue, which features singer/actress/humanitarian Alicia Keys on the cover, part of our new direction, for example, is represented in a more in-depth, wide-ranging presentation of our annual introduction to next year's new cars. Not only do we feature the new vehicles of 2008, but we've created a special section of articles that include "The Black Impact on Car Designs," "Customized Cars (And How You Can Customize Your Ride)," plus a look at the vehicles that celebrities park inside their garages.

I'm enthusiastic about our campaign of evolution, which is disciplined, thoughtful and true to our mission--to educate, empower, encourage and entertain. In the future, there will be more changes as we create a more complete product that will better serve you--our loyal readers--and help you to compete more effectively in this fast-paced, demanding world.

I know that people react to change differently, and when it comes to what we've done (and are doing), I need to know that we not only are moving in the right direction, but that we aren't moving too fast. More importantly, I need to know that we are continuing to provide the content that you want and need.

So, how do you like the changes so far? What would you like to see us do that we aren't yet doing? What would you like to see us enhance? In general, what do you like or don't like? What can we do better? How are we doing?

I invite you to e-mail me directly at ljr@ebony.com to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas. I really want to know what you have to say.

Meanwhile, we keep moving ahead. This issue represents the beginning of the magazine's 63rd anniversary, and we're not resting on our laurels. I can pledge that, as we proceed, we will continue to chronicle every aspect of Black life, an act that has distinguished EBONY as the No. 1 Black magazine in the world since 1945.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning