ROBERT CHANNICK
Chicago Tribune (TNS)
Ebony, the Chicago-born magazine that served as the voice of Black America for more than 75 years, is set for a digital rebirth Monday under new owners.
Bought out of bankruptcy for $14 million in December by Louisville-based Bridgeman Sports and Media, a company owned by retired Milwaukee Bucks star Ulysses Junior Bridgeman, Ebony will relaunch with a startup mentality, a lean operation and lofty aspirations. The storied publication s print format and its Chicago roots will be relegated to the past. We re going to ask for grace, because we did this quickly, said Michele Ghee, 54, a media veteran who was named CEO of Ebony in January. But we are in a rush to show that we have great intentions.
Ebony to relaunch March 1 as online-only magazine chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Maxim Vlasov
Radio promotion veteran
Joe Riccitelli, who departed his role as co-president of RCA Records earlier this month, has launched
Gold n Retriever Entertainment, where he will work on new projects from RCA artists Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake, among others. I have been blessed that over the past 22 years I have been surrounded by some of the most talented artists and a passionate label family, Riccitelli told RAMP in a statement announcing the new venture. “I led promotional efforts on over 100 No. 1 songs, including 45 No. 1 songs at Top 40 alone, ranging from the incredibly successful from the gritty independent label that was Jive to the powerhouse company RCA has become over the past 11 years. I m so thankful the opportunities that were afforded me when Barry Weiss hired me to join Jive Records in 1999. I m grateful to continue working with RCA artists and beyond as I launch Gold n Retriever Entertainment.”
Bridgeman names Michele Ghee CEO of Ebony, Jet magazines - Louisville Business First bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The new CEO said she will hold true to the simple, fundamental principles in the brands documenting of Black culture. Ghee promised a rebirth and revitalization for Black media and Black America through the iconic brands, a release said.
According to the company, Ghee has worked in the media and entertainment industry for over 25 years, generating billions of dollars in revenue for companies such as WME, CNN, A&E, The History Channel and BET Networks.
Ghee created and ran the first and only network for Black woman, BETHer, while at BET Networks, according to a release.
In the magazines 75th anniversary, Ghee is expected to create the vision for the brands while activating their strategy, the company added.