Who is the Absolute Boss in a Typical Magazine: The Editor or the Publisher?

In the intricate world of magazine publishing, it is a common question to ponder who ultimately holds the reigns of authority. Is it the editor who is in charge of creating the content, or is it the publisher who oversees the business aspects of the magazine? Let's delve into this important discussion to understand the roles and the hierarchy in a typical magazine.

Who is the Absolute Boss?

Typically, in a magazine, the publisher is considered the absolute boss. The publisher's primary responsibilities include the overall management, financial aspects, and business decisions of the magazine. While the editor is crucial for the magazine's content and creative direction, the publisher holds the ultimate authority in financial and strategic matters.

Publisher's Responsibilities and Authority

The publisher is responsible for overseeing the business aspects of the magazine. This involves managing the finances, ensuring proper advertising and circulation, and formulating the overall strategy. The publisher must ensure that the magazine remains profitable and meets its business goals. Financial decisions, such as budget allocations, staffing, and marketing strategies, fall under the publisher's purview.

Additionally, the publisher has the final say on major decisions. They are accountable to higher authorities, such as a corporate board or owner. The publisher's authority is paramount, given the importance of the magazine's financial health and strategic direction.

Editor's Responsibilities and Authority

The editor, on the other hand, is in charge of the magazine's content. This includes editorial direction, article selection, and the quality of writing and visuals. The editor works closely with writers, photographers, and designers to ensure that the content is of high quality and aligns with the magazine's style and standards.

While the editor has significant creative control, their decisions can be influenced by the publisher's goals and the magazine's business needs. The publisher's objectives often guide the editorial content to ensure that it remains aligned with the magazine's overall strategy.

Conclusion

While the editor is crucial for the magazine's editorial integrity and quality, the publisher ultimately holds the power regarding the magazine's financial health and strategic direction. Therefore, in a typical magazine structure, the publisher is usually seen as the boss.

The degree of autonomy an editor wields can vary from publication to publication. In many cases, the editor is an employee, while the publisher is the owner. However, if the editor is a part owner or is both the editor and owner, the power dynamic can shift.

Whether the editor or the publisher takes the helm, the success of a magazine relies on a harmonious collaboration between these two key roles.