Newsweek Magazine Review

Bottom-Line: Newsweek, together with other written and visual media keep my household informed on the issues that directly affect me and mine.  Might I subject you take a look...

Without question, the most anticipated magazine that arrives in our mailbox every Monday afternoon is Newsweek.  My wife has been a long-time subscriber of the magazine, and I do read it myself from time to time.   Because Newsweek weighs in on a wide ranging selection of current events and cultural trends, it is definitely not the magazine of choice for single-minded purists who only wish to read about one subject, a lone point of view, or who require every page to be in-depth, hard news reporting.  No, Newsweek is more suited to those who are interested in an all-encompassing format of current events and societal trends, ranging from international terrorism, to U.S. politicians, to steroids in professional sports, to political summits in Paris, France, to the cell phone of uber-celebrity Paris Hilton. 

Magazine Format

Over the past several years, Newsweek has undergone periodic cosmetic changes to its format, but the bone structure of the magazine has remained consistently intact.  The cover photo is generally an intriguing picture of the hottest story of the week.  However, on many occasions, the cover story may not be something everyone is already talking about, but rather, one that should get everyone talking.  Intriguing examples of these types of cover stories include: Visions of Heaven, Babies and Autism, The Myth of the Perfect Mother, and Anxiety & the Brain, to name but a few. 

Favorite Columnists

Wordsmith, and conservative columnist, George Will, provides a stimulating "Last Word" column (better dust off that thesaurus) on a variety of subjects, from history to sports to politics.  Although his politics are much farther right-leaning than mine, I always take the time to read his point of view.  Although he can be maddeningly tight-fisted at times, he is also intelligent and thought provoking, and I respect and value the quality of his viewpoint in public discourse.

On the other side of the equation, columnist Anna Quindlen alternates with Will and can be counted on to offer a more liberal point of view on political and civic issues of the day.  She is an equally formidable talent who provides a "Last Word" essay which is beautifully written, intelligent, and guaranteed to provoke discussion, regardless of whether or not you agree with her at first blush. 

In the same way, Jonathan Alter and Fareed Zakaria are two veteran journalists who are credible, independent voices in the magazine.  They both are knowledgeable about their subject matter, and attempt to analyze a situation based more on facts than on a political point of view.  Zakaria, in particular, appears to actively listen to people and encourage questions and opinions (his email address is always posted at the end of his column) before taking a stand on a situation. 

My Viewpoint

Far from being a Liberal rag-sheet wherein only one side of a particular argument are presented, Newsweek offers reader a fair and balanced look into some of the most vexing issue of the day across a broad spectrum of subject matters.  Newsweek, together with other written and visual media keep my household informed on the issues that directly affect me and mine.  Might I subject you take a look...