How To Pitch: Ebony

This 66-year-old glossy needs pitches with an African-American spin across its sections

By Monique Valeris - January 14, 2013

The information in this article is current and accurate.

Circulation: 1.25 million
Frequency: Monthly
Special issues: "Ebony Power 100 List and Holiday Gift Guide" (December/January), "Black Love/Black History" (February), "Women's Issue" (May), "The 50 Finest" (July), "The Wealth Issue" (August), "Fall Fashion/Higher Education (Back to School)" (September)

Background: Ebony was founded in 1945 at a time when news about the black community was largely absent in mainstream media. Publisher John H. Johnson created the magazine to report on and celebrate the achievements of black America. For a long time, that also meant carrying the torch for civil rights. Today, Ebony is transformed and, according to National Public Radio, taking on a "bold new tack." The magazine is enjoying the fruits of a well-executed redesign spearheaded by editor-in-chief Amy DuBois Barnett, who works with CEO Desiree Rogers and chairman Linda Johnson Rice. Barnett told NPR she's working to balance fashion, entertainment and news that is empowering "and also still very rooted in the coverage of social issues and political issues that Ebony has always done so well." Ebony was also recently named a brand to watch by AdAge....