Landon Y. Jones, Who Made People a Star Among Magazines, Dies at 80

Published On Aug 30, 2024, 10:00 AM

Landon Y. Jones, the former top editor of People magazine, passed away at the age of 80. During his time at People from 1989 to 1997, he significantly boosted the magazine's profits through innovative practices like color printing and targeting a female audience. He was also known for his interest in popular culture and celebrity news, interviewing notable figures like Bill Gates. Jones helped popularize the term 'baby boomer' and repeatedly showcased celebrities, most notably Princess Diana, on the magazine's cover.

Stock Forecasts

With the passing of Landon Y. Jones, the media landscape may see shifts in how celebrity culture is reported, as his influence on magazines like People set a precedent for future coverage. Investors might watch how People and similar magazines adapt their strategies in a changing media environment.

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As chief executive, he expanded Time Inc.’s offerings, fended off a hostile takeover and built the world’s largest media company.

An unapologetic champion of the newsworthiness of celebrities, he also drew attention to teenage pregnancy and helped popularize the term “baby boomer.”