Launched in April 2000, OR The magazine has featured on each of its covers its namesake and visionary, Oprah Winfrey, in one bright and colorful photograph or another.
For the first time in the history of the magazine, the media mogul has decided not to appear on the cover of the magazine and here is why.
Powerful ‘O’ cover explains Oprah Winfrey’s absence
On the cover of the next September 2020 issue of ORInstead of a photo of Winfrey on some kind of fall stage, readers will see a digital artist’s depiction of murdered Kentucky resident Breonna Taylor.
It is the first time in the magazine’s existence that Winfrey has not been featured on the cover.
Taylor was killed in March 2020 by police who had broken into the apartment she shared with her boyfriend. He, in the chaotic moment, opened fire. Officers responded to the fire and killed Taylor, 26.
In the magazine’s issue, Winfrey explains her absence from the cover.
“I think of Breonna Taylor often,” she writes. “She was the same age as the two daughters at my school in South Africa who have been in quarantine with Stedman and me since March… Her whole life shines with the light of hope. That was taken from Breonna in such a horrible way. What I know for sure: we cannot be silent. We have to use any megaphone that we have to ask for justice. ”
“And that’s why Breonna Taylor is on the cover of OR magazine, “Winfrey stated.
Oprah Winfrey is finishing the print version of ‘O’
After publishing a print version for the past 20 years, Winfrey decided to start focusing solely on the digital edition of the magazine.
Jointly published by Hearst Corporation and Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, the media company explained the change from magazine to digital.
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“As the brand celebrates twenty years of Or, Oprah magazineWe are thinking about what will come next, but once again, the association and the brand are not going to disappear, “said Hearst.
“This is the natural next step for the brand, which has grown to an online audience of 8 million, extending its voice and vision with video and social content. We will continue to invest in this platform as the brand grows and evolves into one that is more digitally focused. ”
The final print edition will be its December 2020 edition, but occasionally may occasionally appear in special print kiosk presentations.
‘O’ launched 20 years ago to live up to the popularity of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show
When Hearst Corporation in 2000 announced the name of Winfrey’s next magazine, they allowed her to explain the choice for herself.
“What I like about OR it’s simple and straightforward, and it’s what many of my friends call me, “said Oprah Winfrey.
“OR it reflects the close bond and inclusiveness that readers will experience with the magazine, “said Ellen Kunes, editor-in-chief at the time.”OR it will be the guide to women’s personal growth for this new century, inspired by Oprah’s unique vision. “
The magazine has lived up to that vision and looks forward to expanding its original mission at its predominantly digital company.
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