Weekly Standard acquired by Washington Examiner parent company
June 17, 2009
Clarity Media Group CEO Ryan McKibben announced today that the company had acquired The Weekly Standard magazine, which he characterized as “one of the most highly respected publications of public policy and political commentary in America.”
According to McKibben, Clarity Media Group intends to build on the editorial strengths of The Weekly Standard’s current staff and increase the magazine’s circulation and ad pages. “We have the highest regard for the editors and staff of The Weekly Standard, particularly founder William Kristol and executive editor Fred Barnes. The Weekly Standard’s content deals with the most critical public policy issues of our time, in an intelligent and compelling way.” said McKibben.
Weekly Standard editor William Kristol issued the following statement with respect to the ownership change:
“I want to express my personal gratitude, and that of my colleagues, to Rupert Murdoch. His generous support and (if I may use the term) liberal disposition have made whatever we’ve accomplished possible.
We at the Weekly Standard are truly pleased to be joining forces with Clarity Media Group. We’re very much looking forward to working with them to produce an even better magazine with a stronger web presence and even larger readership. First-rate owners are hard to come by. We’ve had one. We’re getting another.”
Other print publications owned by Clarity Media Group include the Washington Examiner and the San Francisco Examiner.
Washington Examiner editor Stephen G. Smith reacted to news of the acquisition, “I’m thrilled to be associated with The Weekly Standard. I know and admire Bill Kristol and Fred Barnes, and eagerly read their magazine every Sunday evening. I’m certain the new arrangement will benefit both Washington-based publications.”
