Digital pop culture publication Paste Magazine has recently disclosed its acquisition of the feminist website Jezebel.com from G/O Media. This move comes shortly after G/O Media's decision to close down Jezebel, resulting in the staff layoffs. The irreverent feminist platform is set to make a return under the new ownership of Paste Magazine, signaling a revival less than a month after its closure.
Paste Magazine, an Atlanta-based digital pop culture publication, has announced its acquisition of the feminist website Jezebel.com, marking the return of the site less than a month after its closure by G/O Media. The move comes after G/O Media's unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer for Jezebel, leading to the shutdown and the laying off of its staff.
In a statement, Josh Jackson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Paste, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting that it ensures the continuation of Jezebel's critical content and information. The irreverent website, known for its distinctive voice and commitment to storytelling, initially launched in 2007 and quickly gained a dedicated following with its sharp commentary on gender politics and edgy coverage of pop culture.
According to Jackson, Paste became interested in acquiring Jezebel immediately after its closure and swiftly secured an all-cash deal. The relaunch of the site is expected to happen as early as this week. Paste is currently in the process of searching for a new editor-in-chief and is in discussions with potential candidates, prioritizing the hiring of former Jezebel staffers.
Jezebel, a part of the G/O Media portfolio since 2019, gained recognition for its coverage of political issues such as abortion, as well as its critiques of celebrity culture and the fashion industry, contributing to national discussions on topics like "body shaming" and "rape culture." However, like many digital publications, Jezebel faced challenges in recent years due to the decline in digital advertising revenue.
Tensions with G/O Media's leadership and a failure to find a sustainable revenue model aligned with the site's mission and audience were cited by Jezebel writers as factors leading to its shutdown. G/O Media, which owns other publications such as Gizmodo, Quartz, the Onion, and the Root, explained that the closure was part of a broader restructuring to navigate economic challenges and a challenging digital advertising environment. CEO Jim Spanfeller acknowledged the misalignment between Jezebel's mission and the overall business model of G/O Media but expressed optimism about finding a new home for Jezebel and the possibility of relaunching the site.
In the wake of the acquisition by Paste Magazine, Jezebel's return signals a revival for its passionate audience, and efforts are underway to reestablish the website as a prominent voice in the realms of feminism, culture, and politics.
