A lot of people were expecting great things for Deborah Needleman's first issue of T magazine, and while there was a lot to love, it's been voiced that the issue was sorely lacking in diversity. Presumably under pressure from The New York Times' corporate division, Needleman released the following statement:
"It was something I noticed and regretted as we were putting the issue together. We are a global magazine and so would like the content, subjects and geography of stories to reflect that. In coming issues, we cover the people and places of Seoul, São Paulo, Kenya, Bollywood actors, Nigeria, etc. A majority of fashion models are still unfortunately mostly white, but it is our aim to celebrate quality and beauty in all its diverse forms. We can and will aim to do better, but our goal is first and foremost to deliver the best stories we find, and it is my belief that quality and good journalism appeal to all of us regardless of our specific ethnic origins."
She makes a good point that it is essentially a global magazine, though one doesn't have to leave the United States to find some diversity. And while we can't wait to hear more about "Nigeria, etc.," this seems like a problem that could've been easily avoided if she had noticed it before the magazine was half way to the printing press. As the editor-in-chief, shouldn't Needleman have been involved with every aspect of her first issue from day one? We wouldn't expect a respected industry figure to accept a position as a glorified spokesperson, so hopefully she'll take this as a cue to be a little more hands-on next time around.
Photo: Courtesy of The New York Times.