Life Magazine Cover March 1957
Life magazine, the iconic American photographic essay publication, may be getting a second chance. Josh Kushner, the brother of former first-son-in-law Jared Kushner and the brother-in-law of the former first daughter of the US Ivanka Trump, together with his wife model Karlie Kloss are reportedly interested in buying Life and giving it a new life. The two are said to have acquired the magazine from Barry Diller’s IAC for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition of Life Magazine is said to be handled by Bedford Media, the media start-up led by Karlie Kloss.
Younger generations do not know just how important and influential Life Magazine once was. Its photographers captured history as it unfolded. During World War II it brought the images of American GIs fighting back home to the American public. Then, in the 1960s it brought images of the growingly unpopular war in Vietnam home to Americans in vivid color photographs.
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For decades, Life Magazine was the world’s main source for photojournalism. But then came the Internet and social media and such a magazine and its service were mooted.
Josh Kushner has been working on such a deal with Barry Diller since early last year once commenting, “Life’s legacy lies in its ability to blend culture, current events and everyday life — highlighting the triumphs, challenges and unique perspectives that define us.”
Karlie Kloss said, “We see Life as an uplifting and unifying voice in a chaotic media landscape.”
The son of real estate developer Charles Kushner, Joshua Kushner is an American businessman with a background in venture capital and real estate. He is the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a successful venture capital firm backing companies like Instagram and Spotify and co-founded Oscar Health, an insurance company built around the Affordable Care Act.
Karlie Kloss is an American multi-hyphenate who has achieved success in the worlds of fashion, business, and philanthropy. She is a renowned supermodel, gracing the covers of 40 international Vogue editions by 2019, has been a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2013 to 2015, walking the runway for the prestigious fashion show, and fronted campaigns for major brands like Chanel, Dior, and Adidas.
Life magazine has a rich history chronicling the 20th century through impactful photographs. Launched in 1883, it initially focused on humor, illustrations, and social commentary. From 1936 to 1972, it became a renowned weekly magazine known for its high-quality photography, covering a wide range of topics. During this “golden age,” it reached a vast audience, with nearly a quarter of the U.S. population reading it regularly. The format transitioned to a monthly magazine in 1978 and finally ceased print publication in 2000.
Since 2008, Life Magazine exists as an online supplement. The website offers a vast collection of historical and contemporary photographs.
