SI editor McDonell to become Time Inc. adviser, hand reins to Fichtenbaum
Terry McDonell, who has run Sports Illustrated for a decade, will become a senior adviser to parent Time Inc. and hand the reins to Paul Fichtenbaum as SI editor and head of the publishing titan’s sports group.
Chris Stone, an assistant managing editor, won the bake-off to move into the managing editor role at SI, running the weekly magazine that is still at the core of the franchise.
The managing editor job — traditionally the top editorial spot at a Time Inc. title — is also being revamped. Stone will run not only the weekly print edition but also coordinate the many digital platforms SI is pushing in the face of intense competition from ESPN and others with TV tie-ins.
“People understand that we’re not just a once-a-week publication, we’re a 24/7 phenomenon,” said Fichtenbaum, who will oversee the flagship title, SI for Kids and Golf magazine and its related web sites, along with about 200 editorial staffers.
Fitchtenbaum said the sports group will continue to step up its extensive digital video offerings and tablet initiatives. The title recently launched a weekly hour-long show on NBC.
He added that the print weekly is still “nicely profitable” and there is no thought of doing away with it.
“The emphasis on digital will force people to be smarter and more ambitious on the weekly,” said Stone.
As part of its evolution, SI recruited Matthew Bean from Rodale earlier this year to take over Fichtenbaum’s former job running SI.com.
In addition, Chris Hercik, who was the creative director of the weekly magazine, was made creative director for the entire SI brand.
McDonell, 68, who was inducted in the Magazine Editors’ Hall of Fame in the spring, said he will work with new Time Inc. CEO Laura Lang on “digital initiatives.” He is seen as one of the industry pioneers in tablet offerings.