Desperate measures

Tim Burrowes

June 9, 2009 8:01

“What’s truly fascinating is “Newsweek” took a risk. They broke a taboo. They attacked Oprah. Because they were DESPERATE!”

Bob Lefsetz on a new magazine strategy

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.

2 COMMENTS

nexbrett 9 Jun 09

Have to disagree Dr Mumbo…
Oprah is a disgrace on the public sphere – popularity isn’t an excuse.

With the media exposure she has, there should be some ethical code to at least use it responsibly.

Some of the marketing Oprah pedals is detrimental to public health – I say good on Newsweek for having a crack at Goliath.

Brett.

User ID not verified.

Tim - Mumbrella 9 Jun 09

Hi Next Brett,

It’s worth following the link for the full article – it’s a good, nuanced piece but that’s the side of the argument Lefsetz pretty much comes down on too.

Cheers,

Tim – Mumbrella

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Desperate measures

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