Quincy Jones Will Not Let Vibe Die
Earlier today we learned that the American music mag Vibe Magazine was folding. Now Vibe founder Quincy Jones is distraught over the news and determined to save the magazine. How? “I’m'a take it online because print and all that stuff is over.”
Jones created Vibe back in 1993 to showcase rap and R&B music in a voice that was younger and edgier than other publications existing at the time, hoping to appeal to young, urban music fans. In 2006 the magazine was purchased by the Wicks Media Group.
Jones spoke to Ebony Senior Editor Adrienne Samuels Gibbs this afternoon:
“I’m trying to buy my magazine back now,” Jones told EbonyJet.com just moments ago during a telephone call to Jones’ London abode. “They just messed my magazine all up, but I’m gonna get it back. You better believe it, I’m'a take it online because print and all that stuff is over.”
Jones says that all publications must figure out how to live online. That’s where he’s going to take Vibe once he recovers from the death of his friend and protégé Michael Jackson.
“We gotta get into the 21st century you know,” Jones said. ” “Print and all that stuff is over, we gotta remember that. The Chicago Tribune, The Seattle Post Intelligencer. The Miami Herald. They’re over the same way as the record business. We have got to get into this century.”
While Jones sees an online-only presence as the future of VIBE, the magazine’s Web site was already robust and, according to its CEO, profitable. Industry analysts say that without the burden of paying for the printed page, there might be a digital opportunity for VIBE if the brand’s name and archives could be bought without having to assume the company’s debt.
Under few circumstances would it be wise to ever bet against Quincy Jones and he certainly still seems to have an excellent grasp on things at age 76. Quincy Jones gets it.
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
I have to ask, if the digital realm has revolutionized the game, does it hurt or aid older business models?
When the record companies got crushed by illegal downloads they didn't adapt quickly and the same with print.
As an old, my only problem with digital is how much everything is disposable.
Analog Hell, Digital Heaven?
Is print deader than Quincy Jones' career?
microtony
"don't look at Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones ain't gonna..." oh, wait. He is. As you were.
onetruejp
quincy should'a seen this 'a comin'a
@[www.amazon.com]
noonecaresowen
@noonecaresowen: I may actually do that. He's fascinated me for a long time and I don't think I even knew he'd written an autobiography.
He's so awesome. With all the talk of Michael Jackson's career over the last several days, Quincy's impact on him can't be overstated. He was the one who transferred MJ into adulthood as an artist, and the best albums of his career are the ones they made together.
If you ever want a good read, pick up a copy of Quincy's autobiography. Dude's lived enough life for 10 people.
noonecaresowen
@T.A.N.: That's got my vote!
noonecaresowen
@airvault: About as prescient as announcing to your friends tomorrow that MJ passed away.
What would be prescient? Acknowledging the gulf between print and digital as channels, and how magazines can't just be ported to the web. Sure, profitable now, but outmoded very quickly by new shit more properly tailoredbuilt to the medium
fugit
Its shame there will be no Vibe Michael Jackson memorial issue. I would buy it for sure.
@airvault: Chilling or prescient? The correct answer is: it's both.
@T.A.N.: King of Grandpop?
@T.A.N.: I have met the man, through my work and being a resident of Los Angeles, and he is sharp as a tack.
Also: Peggy Lipton. Rooowr!
@unclevanya:
Why chilling? I find it prescient. We can't afford to ignore the continuing downward spiral of the print media. It's a shame that the "more reputable" sources of news and information like the Times don't get this. While I can't claim to be an ardent reader of Vibe I certainly cannot devalue Jones' sentiment. It's 2009! Let's get with it already.
Airvault
@T.A.N.: Thirded!
@T.A.N.: Hear, hear!
charliebrowns
Quincy is a testament to it not being about a generational gap. Certain minds are timeless because they know and accept adaptation as part of the process. I nominate Quincy Jones as King of The Olds!
"Print and all that stuff is over, we gotta remember that. The Chicago Tribune, The Seattle Post Intelligencer. The Miami Herald. They're over the same way as the record business. We have got to get into this century."
Call me an old. I find this statement chilling.
I don't know if the Vibe's current editorial group is a good fit for that particular online market.
They probably could be if they freed themselves from the corporate vision that has defined the magazine in its recent years.
theartdodger
Damn, he does get it. Maybe he can somehow teach my grandma computers.