Last night was one for the books as media lovers gathered to celebrate Michael Grynbaum’s new book, ‘Empire of the Elite.’ Can we talk about the vibes? 💬✨ It felt like stepping back in time, mingling with both the old guard and fresh faces of the media world. Seriously, who else thinks it’s amazing when history meets the present like this?
Gathering of Legends
Emily Sundberg set the tone when she remarked, “If this building burned down tonight, I think the whole news industry would be done.” Wow, right? The crowd buzzed with familiar faces, from New York Times executive editor Joe Kahn to the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, Willa Bennett. It was as if the entire media universe had converged for a night of reminiscing and celebration. 🌟
Grynbaum, a seasoned media reporter, shared his excitement about bringing together those who cherish the legacy of magazines. And honestly, how fitting is it to do this in a place that symbolizes so much of that history? Walking through the Frank Gehry-designed space felt like entering a time capsule where stories were created and shared.
Nostalgia in the Air
The book dives deep into the history of Condé Nast and the impact its editorial brands had on American culture, especially during the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Grynbaum mentioned how attendees reminisced about reading GQ and Vanity Fair as kids, and it really got me thinking—print media holds such a special place in our hearts, doesn’t it? 📚❤️
As the night went on, Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair, drew a lot of attention. When I spoke to him, he was surrounded by guests eager to share their fond memories. His comments about the book were glowing, emphasizing how wonderful it is to capture such a pivotal part of media history.
But it’s not just about the past. Grynbaum revealed that he aimed to highlight the influence of these magazines on the last 50 years of American life. Isn’t it fascinating how a simple publication can shape culture? This book is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a celebration of moments that defined generations.
Back to the Future
The choice of venue was intentional, as Grynbaum wanted to evoke the glamour of past media parties. And get this—now the cafeteria is occupied by TikTok. Plot twist, right? It’s almost poetic how the new wave of media has taken over the very space that once buzzed with the old guard’s creativity.
As Carter reminisced about his lunches with Si Newhouse, you could feel the weight of nostalgia in the air. He joked about feeling a bit of “PTSD” being back in his old stomping grounds. Who wouldn’t? The memories of stress and creativity intertwined in that cafeteria must be overwhelming.
So, what do you think? Are we witnessing the end of an era or the beginning of a new chapter in media? Let’s chat about it! This gathering perfectly captured the essence of what makes our industry so special, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds from here. 💬✨