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Washingtonian (magazine)
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Editor | Sherri Dalphonse |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Publisher | Catherine Merrill Williams |
| Total circulation (2017) | 118,339[1] |
| Founder |
|
| First issue | 1965 |
| Company | Washingtonian Magazine, Inc. |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Language | English |
| Website | washingtonian |
| ISSN | 0043-0897 |
| OCLC | 37264488 |
Washingtonian is a monthly magazine distributed in the Washington, D.C. area, with a focus on local feature journalism, guide book-style articles, real estate, and politics. Founded in 1965 by Laughlin Phillips and Robert J. Myers, it describes itself as "The Magazine Washington Lives By".[2]
Editorial content
[edit]Washingtonian publishes information about local professionals, businesses, and notable places in Washington, D.C.[3]
Each issue includes information on popular local attractions, such as restaurants, neighborhoods, and entertainment, such as fine art and museum exhibits. There is a regular in-depth feature reporting on local institutions, politicians, businessmen, academics, and philanthropists.[4]
Since 1971, the magazine has annually nominated up to 15 people as "Washingtonians of the Year".[5][6][7] The magazine describes the award as honoring men and women "who give their time and talents to make this a better place".[8]
Washingtonian has won five National Magazine Awards.[2]
Leadership
[edit]In August 2009, Washingtonian announced that Garrett Graff would replace long-time editor Jack Limpert as editor-in-chief.[9] Graff left in 2014 and was replaced by Michael Schaffer.[10][11]
Washingtonian is a family-owned publication.[12][13] The former CEO was Philip Merrill (1934–2006), who was succeeded as chairman by his wife, Eleanor; their daughter Catherine Merrill Williams is the president and publisher.[14]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Kantor, Susan (March 14, 2018). "The Top 10 U.S. Magazines with Circulation Gains for 2H 2017". Alliance for Audited Media. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ a b "About Washingtonian". April 20, 2016.
- ^ "WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE – City and Regional Magazine Association". citymag.org. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "Washingtonian (Baggage Claim)". flydulles.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Washingtonians of the Year - Washingtonian". Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "Capitals Tom Wilson Named Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine | Washington Capitals". www.nhl.com. December 7, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "Locksley Named to Prestigious Washingtonians of the Year List for 2023". University of Maryland Athletics. January 8, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "Past Washingtonians of the Year | Washingtonian". Washingtonian. January 29, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
- ^ "Garrett Graff '03 Appointed Editor of The Washingtonian". August 17, 2009.
- ^ Calderone, Michael (April 23, 2014). "Top Washingtonian Editor Leaving Magazine". HuffPost.
- ^ Freed, Benjamin (June 9, 2014). "Michael Schaffer Named Editor of Washingtonian". Washingtonian. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
- ^ "Merrill Family Reaches New Ownership Agreement - Washingtonian". April 25, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "I Grew Up in the Washingtonian Office. Now I'm Saying Goodbye to It. - Washingtonian". August 3, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
- ^ "Capital, Landmark swap assets".
External links
[edit]Washingtonian (magazine)
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History
Founding and Early Development
Washingtonian magazine was founded in October 1965 by Laughlin Phillips, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer who had left the agency in 1964, and his college roommate and CIA colleague Robert J. Myers.[11][1] Phillips, who served initially as the magazine's editor and publisher, aimed to create a publication focused on the practical aspects of life in Washington, D.C., including guides to dining, shopping, and navigating the city for newcomers and residents alike.[12] The inaugural issue, a 68-page edition priced at 50 cents, featured a cover image of the Supreme Court building and included a notable article on the Watergate complex, then a new development, alongside early listings and features on local living.[13][12] In its initial years, the magazine established itself as a monthly guidebook-style publication emphasizing local utility over national politics, with black-and-white pages dominated by directories and practical advice tailored to the capital's growing population of federal workers and transients.[12] Circulation and advertising grew steadily, reaching profitability by around 1972, when Phillips was exploring expansions while maintaining editorial control.[14] Jack Limpert joined as editor in January 1969, bringing a journalistic rigor that shifted emphasis toward in-depth features and investigative pieces while preserving the core service-oriented format; under his influence, the magazine began earning national recognition for city journalism.[15] Early ownership remained with Phillips until early 1979, when he sold the publication to Philip Merrill, an Annapolis-based newspaperman who owned Baltimore Magazine, marking the transition from its startup phase to broader commercial scaling.[1] This period solidified Washingtonian's role as "The Magazine Washington Lives By," a slogan reflecting its blend of utilitarian guides and emerging narrative reporting on the region's social and political fabric.[1]Growth and Ownership Transitions
Following its founding in 1965 by Laughlin Phillips, a former CIA officer, and Robert J. Myers, Washingtonian experienced initial growth as a regional publication focused on Washington, D.C., life, reaching 12,000 subscriptions and 5,000 newsstand sales by November 1965.[12] [11] Under Phillips's leadership, the magazine established a foundation in local journalism, but Phillips sold it in February 1979 to Philip Merrill, an Annapolis-based publisher who owned Baltimore magazine and Capital-Gazette newspapers, for $3.6 million.[16] Merrill retained longtime editor Jack Limpert and invested in expanding the publication's scope and influence, contributing to its reputation as a staple amid the decline of competing titles.[1] Merrill's tenure marked a period of sustained growth, with the magazine achieving prominence in investigative and lifestyle coverage while Merrill divested other holdings, such as Baltimore magazine in the 1990s.[1] Following Merrill's death in June 2006—presumed after a sailing accident—the ownership transitioned within the family.[17] In April 2007, an agreement was reached whereby Eleanor Merrill, Philip's widow, assumed the role of chairman, and their daughter, Catherine Merrill Williams, became president and CEO, with the family retaining full control of Washingtonian after swapping Merrill's Annapolis-area newspapers to Landmark Communications for undivided ownership of the magazine.[18] [19] Under Catherine Merrill's leadership since 2006, Washingtonian pursued further expansion, including digital initiatives and events, while maintaining print circulation above 99,000 as of June 2021.[20] [1] This family stewardship has preserved its independence as a privately held entity, allowing focus on regional authority without broader corporate oversight.[18]Recent Developments
In 2021, Washingtonian Media CEO Cathy Merrill published an opinion piece advocating for a return to in-office work amid the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that remote arrangements hindered collaboration and that employees uncomfortable with the policy should seek other employment.[8] [21] This prompted editorial staff to halt online publishing for a day in protest and stage a brief work stoppage, highlighting tensions over workplace flexibility and management directives.[22] [21] The controversy accelerated staff efforts to unionize, culminating in August 2021 when the Washingtonian Guild secured certification from the National Labor Relations Board in a 15-2 vote, despite opposition from management.[23] Contract negotiations between the union and Washingtonian Media, led by CEO Merrill, have since extended into their fourth year as of February 2025, with no agreement reached, amid reports of disparities in compensation, including median salaries for women employees.[24] Editorial leadership transitioned in 2022 with the appointment of Sherri Dalphonse as editor-in-chief in May, following the departure of executive editor Michael Schaffer to Politico the prior year; Dalphonse, who joined the magazine as an intern in 1986, assumed the role after serving as interim editor.[20] Under her tenure, the magazine has maintained its tradition of annual rankings and features, such as the 2025 editions of Tech Titans, Most Powerful Women, and the 500 Most Influential People lists.[25] [26] Jack Limpert, the magazine's editor from 1969 to 2009 who shaped its growth into a leading city publication, died on September 19, 2024, at age 90; his influence persisted through contributions as editor-at-large until 2012.[27] [15] No major ownership shifts have occurred under the Merrill family stewardship, which has controlled the publication since the 1970s.[28]Editorial Content
Core Topics and Formats
Washingtonian magazine primarily covers topics relevant to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, blending elements of local journalism with lifestyle guidance. Key subjects include politics and government affairs, dining and food scenes, fashion and style, culture and arts, health and wellness, parenting and family life, real estate and homes, and technology.[29][30] These areas reflect the magazine's focus on informing affluent, professional readers about navigating the region's power centers, social dynamics, and consumer options.[10] Content formats emphasize accessible, engaging storytelling tailored to a city-oriented audience. Long-form feature articles often feature deeply reported profiles of influential figures, institutions, or trends, written in lively prose with a sense of humor and supported by high-quality photography.[29][30] Guidebook-style pieces provide practical recommendations, such as neighborhood overviews, event calendars, and "100 Best Things to Do in DC" compilations, designed for both residents and newcomers.[10] Shorter formats include Q&As, service-oriented lists (e.g., top restaurants or events), and curated roundups that prioritize local expertise over national trends.[29] The magazine's editorial approach integrates data-driven rankings with narrative depth, often drawing on insider knowledge of D.C.'s elite networks to highlight under-the-radar stories or consumer guides.[30] While maintaining a professional tone, pieces avoid overt partisanship in core lifestyle coverage, focusing instead on empirical observations of the city's social and economic fabric.[29] This structure positions Washingtonian as a hybrid between regional news and upscale service journalism, with digital extensions mirroring print formats for broader reach.[10]Investigative and Feature Journalism
Washingtonian magazine has conducted investigative reporting focused on local Washington, DC, political scandals and ethical breaches, often centering on city government officials and lobbying influences. In July 2019, the magazine published a comprehensive summary of probes into DC Councilmember Jack Evans, detailing allegations that he solicited clients for his law firm by exploiting his public role, which prompted federal and ethics inquiries leading to his resignation.[31] A 2012 feature examined US Attorney Ronald Machen's prosecutions of DC corruption cases, including bribery schemes and irregularities tied to mayoral campaigns under Vince Gray, underscoring systemic vulnerabilities in local oversight.[32] The magazine's investigations extend to national security and transparency issues with regional ties, such as a July 2010 article on Obama-era leak prosecutions, which highlighted a surge in Justice Department cases against government insiders disclosing classified information.[33] More recently, an August 2025 profile investigated lobbyist Craig Holman's decades-long campaign against unchecked influence peddling in Congress and DC, exposing loopholes in disclosure rules that enable "perfectly legal" special-interest sway.[34] Feature journalism at Washingtonian emphasizes narrative-driven profiles and explorations of power structures, blending reporting with human-interest elements. A June 2024 piece profiled Tom Blanton, executive director of George Washington University's National Security Archive, chronicling its use of Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover government secrets, including Iran-Contra documents that fueled congressional probes.[35] In March 2025, a feature delved into the operations of private investigators in the DC area, referencing the Steele Dossier's compilation by ex-spy Christopher Steele as an example of opposition research's contentious role in politics.[36] These works prioritize on-the-ground sourcing and archival review over anonymous leaks, reflecting a style attuned to verifiable local impacts rather than speculative national narratives.Lifestyle and Guidebook Elements
Washingtonian magazine incorporates lifestyle coverage through dedicated sections on food, home and style, and real estate, offering practical recommendations tailored to Washington, D.C., residents and visitors.[10] The food section features reviews of restaurants, bars, and culinary trends, highlighting local dining options from casual eateries to high-end establishments. Similarly, the home and style category provides advice on interior design, fashion trends, and personal styling, including annual features on influential local figures' wardrobes and shopping preferences.[37] Real estate content details luxury property transactions, neighborhood market analyses, and home-buying tips, often focusing on high-value sales and emerging hotspots in the D.C. metro area.[38] As a guidebook resource, Washingtonian emphasizes navigational tools for daily life and tourism, such as the DC Welcome Guide, which curates essentials for eating, activities, and accommodations in the capital.[39] Neighborhood guides offer in-depth profiles of areas like NoMa and Alexandria, covering local amenities, housing trends, and community insights to aid relocation or exploration.[40] The "Things to Do" section lists weekly events, seasonal activities, and curated experiences, positioning the publication as a go-to planner for social outings and cultural immersion. Features like "100 Reasons to Love DC" compile eclectic recommendations for shopping, wellness, and hidden gems, reinforcing its role as an insider's handbook for urban living.[41]Leadership and Operations
Key Editors and Executives
Sherri Dalphonse has served as editor-in-chief of Washingtonian since May 2022, having joined the magazine in 1986 as an editorial intern and advancing through various editorial roles over three decades.[20][1] Catherine Merrill holds the positions of president and chief executive officer of Washingtonian Media, the parent company overseeing the magazine's operations, with her leadership emphasizing the publication's focus on local influence and lifestyle coverage.[42][43] Historically, Jack Limpert edited Washingtonian from 1969 to 2009, a 40-year tenure during which he shaped its reputation for in-depth reporting on Washington-area power structures and social dynamics.[20] Other notable executives include James Byles, who serves as president of Washingtonian Custom Media, handling branded content and partnerships.[44]Ownership and Business Model
Washingtonian Media, the parent company of Washingtonian magazine, is a privately held entity owned by Catherine Merrill, who has served as CEO and owner since 2006.[1] The magazine traces its ownership roots to 1979, when it was acquired for $3.6 million by Philip Merrill, a publisher who expanded its scope before his death in 2006.[16] Following this, family members restructured control, with Catherine Merrill assuming leadership amid a transition that positioned her as the primary owner.[18] The business model relies heavily on advertising revenue, supplemented by subscriptions, custom publishing initiatives, and events. Annual revenue has been estimated at approximately $16.7 million, reflecting a mix of print and digital formats targeted at affluent Washington, D.C.-area readers with high household incomes averaging over $230,000.[45] Advertising rates for national color ads in the monthly print edition stand at $22,400, supporting a readership of around 374,000.[46] In 2011, the company launched a custom media division to diversify income streams by producing branded content for clients, led by a former Washington Post executive.[47] Challenges to the model emerged during economic disruptions, such as the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, which prompted layoffs of fellows and a 10 percent staff pay cut due to advertising revenue declines.[48] Despite such pressures, the privately owned structure has allowed flexibility in operations, including a focus on lifestyle and regional content to maintain advertiser appeal without shareholder demands for short-term profits.[8]Signature Publications
Annual Lists and Rankings
Washingtonian publishes several annual lists and rankings that highlight top professionals, businesses, and individuals in the Washington, DC, region, often based on peer nominations, reader surveys, or editorial selections. These compilations, which include evaluations of physicians, attorneys, restaurants, and influential figures, serve as reference guides for locals and professionals, influencing hiring, dining choices, and public recognition.[49][50][26] The magazine's Top Doctors list, appearing annually in the November issue, features more than 2,000 physicians across specialties such as cardiology, dermatology, and pediatrics, selected through peer voting among regional medical professionals. For the 2025 edition, the rankings incorporated input from thousands of doctors to identify leading practitioners in the DC metro area.[51] Similarly, the Top Lawyers directory, published yearly and covering 16 practice areas including healthcare, immigration, and Supreme Court advocacy, relies on votes from area attorneys to compile a roster of prominent legal talent. In the December 2024 issue, for instance, the list recognized lawyers from firms like Dentons for their expertise.[50][52] Food and lifestyle rankings form another cornerstone, with the 100 Very Best Restaurants list released each January ranking the top dining establishments across DC, Maryland, and Virginia based on editorial assessments of quality, innovation, and consistency. The 2025 edition highlighted suburban newcomers alongside established spots, serving as a guide for over 100 venues. Complementing this, the annual Best of Washington guide, published in summer issues, curates standout eateries, bars, and culinary experiences, often tied to a tasting event featuring bites from 60-plus restaurants. Reader-driven surveys also contribute, as seen in the 46th annual restaurant poll for 2023, where votes determined favorites in categories like brunch and ethnic cuisine.[53][54][55] Influence and style lists add to the portfolio, including the annual 500 Most Influential People special issue, which profiles policymakers, business leaders, and cultural figures shaping the region; the 2025 edition reflected shifts from the new administration. Nominations for the 2026 policy-focused variant opened in September 2025 via public submissions. Additional honors encompass the Most Stylish People roundup and the Washingtonians of the Year, recognizing ten regional contributors in December issues, such as in 2024 for community impact. These rankings, while subjective in editorial components, draw on aggregated expertise and feedback to maintain perceived authority among readers.[26][56][57]Special Issues and Awards Hosted
Washingtonian publishes several annual special issues focused on rankings, influential figures, and lifestyle guides in the Washington, D.C., region. The November issue features the Top Doctors list, compiling peer-nominated physicians across specialties based on surveys of medical professionals.[58] The October issue highlights the Most Powerful Women, ranking influential female leaders in politics, business, and other sectors, as seen in the magazine's 60th anniversary edition in September 2025, which profiled 250 such women.[58][59] Another recurring special issue is the 500 Most Influential People, released in May each year, evaluating impact in policy, media, and culture amid shifting political landscapes, such as the 2025 edition addressing regulatory reform under a new administration.[26] The magazine also produces themed editions like the annual Best of Washington, which curates top restaurants, activities, shops, and events, accompanied by a summer festival-style party featuring over 60 vendors, as held in July 2025 at the National Building Museum.[60][61] Other special issues cover niche topics, such as the June 2024 edition on 50 Years of Pride, examining LGBTQ+ movement history in D.C., or March 2023's 50 Great Dates guide.[62][58] In addition to publications, Washingtonian hosts awards ceremonies recognizing achievements in journalism, civic leadership, and design. The annual Washingtonians of the Year luncheon, marking its 53rd edition on January 9, 2025, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, honors individuals for contributions to the community, including volunteers, educators, and nonprofit leaders alongside prominent figures.[63][5] Co-hosted with Story Partners since 2014, the Washington Women in Journalism Awards celebrate female leaders in media; the 12th annual event on April 24, 2025, recognized recipients like Vivian Salama and Margaret Brennan for excellence across print, broadcast, and digital formats.[64][65][66] The magazine also organizes events for its Residential Design Awards, showcasing winners like 12 innovative homes in 2022, and the Top Agents Celebration, which reached its 10th iteration in October 2025, spotlighting real estate professionals.[7][67]Reception and Impact
Cultural and Social Influence
The Washingtonian's annual "500 Most Influential People" list, first published in various forms since the 1980s and expanded to its current scale by 2022, identifies non-governmental figures—such as lobbyists, think tank experts, and business leaders—who shape policy debates, thereby reinforcing a hierarchy of influence centered on advocacy and expertise rather than elected office.[68] This compilation, updated yearly as of May 2025, is frequently leveraged by honorees for professional validation, appearing in organizational announcements and personal profiles to signal credibility within D.C.'s interconnected networks of power.[69] [70] Similarly, the "Most Powerful Women" ranking, launched in the 2010s and featuring 250 entries by 2025, highlights female leaders across sectors like media, law, and nonprofits, contributing to narratives of gender dynamics in elite circles while prompting discussions on merit-based recognition amid broader institutional biases favoring certain ideological alignments.[71] These rankings exert social influence by functioning as informal gatekeepers of status, where inclusion correlates with enhanced networking opportunities and visibility, as evidenced by widespread citations in trade publications and LinkedIn endorsements from 2023 onward.[72] Critics, however, note that such lists may amplify insider perspectives, potentially overlooking grassroots or dissenting voices in favor of establishment-aligned influencers, reflecting the magazine's embedded role in D.C.'s policy-adjacent culture.[6] Beyond elite rankings, Washingtonian's lifestyle features, including recurring "Best of" compilations for dining, neighborhoods, and cultural events, guide affluent readers—estimated at over 900,000 monthly unique visitors as of recent metrics—toward endorsed venues, subtly directing economic flows and social habits in a city where professional transients dominate leisure choices.[73] For instance, coverage of local arts and music scenes, such as defenses of D.C.'s creative vitality against stereotypes of political sterility, fosters a counter-narrative of cultural depth, encouraging investment in indigenous genres like go-go and independent galleries.[74] This positions the publication as a curator of regional identity, blending policy proximity with everyday aesthetics to sustain a distinct Washingtonian ethos amid national media's federal fixation.Circulation Metrics and Readership
As of January to June 2024, Washingtonian's average monthly circulation, combining print and digital formats, stood at 90,571 copies, according to an audited brand audit.[75] This figure reflects an audited distribution verified by the Circulation Verification Council.[76] Print components included 62,361 paid subscriptions for its 12 annual issues, 11,368 newsstand copies per month, and 878 copies distributed monthly to U.S. House and Senate offices.[75] Paid print circulation has declined modestly in recent years, from 103,485 in 2022 to 93,617 in 2023.[77][30] The magazine reaches over 362,000 readers monthly, with readers spending an average of 1.1 hours per issue.[76] This readership estimate, derived from a 2024 Circulation Verification Council reader study, accounts for pass-along copies beyond initial distribution.[76] Digital engagement bolsters the audience, with washingtonian.com attracting an average of 1,383,454 monthly unique users and 2,306,241 pageviews during the first half of 2024.[75] The publication maintains a combined social media following of approximately 960,772 across platforms as of June 2024, including 333,871 on Instagram and 315,643 on X (formerly Twitter).[75] Email newsletters further extend reach, with over 125,000 subscribers to the "Best Stories" edition alone.[75] Washingtonian's readership skews affluent, educated, and concentrated in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Key demographics from the 2024 reader study include:| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | 66.8% female, 30.7% male, 2.5% non-binary/other |
| Age | Average 56 years; 31.6% aged 35-54 |
| Household Income | Average $501,687; 87.4% over $100,000; 42.9% over $250,000 |
| Education | 96.8% college graduates; 63.6% postgraduate |
| Location (Residence) | 34.9% D.C., 31.4% Virginia, 29.8% Maryland |
| Net Worth | Average $3,000,865; 64.7% over $1 million |