Entrepreneur and model Karlie Koss, along with her husband and billionaire investor Joshua Kushner, are bringing LIFE back to life more than 20 years after the iconic photography magazine with over 100 years of history ceased regular publication.
Kloss and Kushner's Bedford Media announced a deal Thursday to bring LIFE Magazine back to print and digital distribution as part of an agreement with Dotdash Meredith to relaunch LIFE as a publication for its regular-flow, vibrant media properties. IAC formed Dotdash Meredith after it acquired Meredith for $2.7 billion following the latter's acquisition of Time Inc. (LIFE's previous owner).
The deal for LIFE follows Bedford Media's acquisition of fashion publication iD Magazine from the ailing Vice Media Group. Kushner is the founder of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and former White House adviser.
Terms of the deal between Bedford Media and Dotdash Meredith were not disclosed. Bedford will manage the overall operations of the new LIFE Magazine, including editorial strategy, revenue and media initiatives. Dotdash Meredith will continue to own all rights to the LIFE photography and content archive dating back to the 1930s and will also continue to publish single-topic special interest magazines for the LIFE brand, available on newsstands.
“We see LIFE as a voice of hope and unity in a chaotic media landscape,” Kloss, CEO of Bedford Media, said in a statement. “Although Bedford is a new media company, we are deeply inspired by LIFE’s iconic legacy and its ability to connect diverse audiences with the universal story of humanity.”
In his role as publisher of LIFE Magazine, Kushner said: “LIFE’s legacy lies in its ability to blend culture, current events and everyday life, highlighting the triumphs, challenges and unique perspectives that define us.”
LIFE was founded in 1883 and published a popular weekly magazine until its previous owner, Time Inc., closed it in 1972. LIFE was revived in 1978 by Tim Inc. before ceasing regular publication in 2000.
Bedford Media describes itself as “a media holding company focused on artisanal storytelling, authenticity and shared cultural resonance.” Combining iconic brands with new ways to do business and reach audiences, the company’s strategy moves away from ubiquity toward quality and depth.”