ROLLING STONE WINS 2008 NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY

NEW YORK, NY (May 2, 2008) – The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) announced Rolling Stone the winner of the 2008 National Magazine Award for Columns and Commentary last night at the 43rd annual award ceremony. The award is for three columns by contributing editor Matt Taibbi, “Worse Than Bush,” (June 14); “My Favorite Nut Job,” (November 29); “Obama’s Moment,” (December 27). This is the fourteenth Ellie, as the awards are called, presented to Rolling Stone, its first for Columns and Commentary and its fourth such honor in the last three years. In 2007, Rolling Stone won the prestigious General Excellence award. In 2006, the magazine won awards for Reporting and Photo Portfolio/Photo Essay.

The National Magazine Awards are the magazine industry’s most prestigious editorial honor. The Columns and Commentary category recognizes excellence in short-form political, social, economic or humorous commentary. It honors the eloquence, force of argument and succinctness with which the writer presents his or her views.

Rolling Stone has been the leading voice of music and popular culture since its inception over 40 years ago. The magazine features the latest in music reviews, in-depth interviews, hard-hitting political commentary and award-winning investigative journalism. Rolling Stone provides all the news that fits to 13 million readers every two weeks.

Rolling Stone Fortieth Anniversary issue May 3-17, 2007
Named # 3 on Time magazines 2007 Top 10 Magazine Covers (12/24/07 issue)

ASME had this to say about the winning articles:

Reporting: The Man Who Sold the War, by James Bamford (December 1)
"The Man Who Sold the War," is a massive reporting effort that includes a rare interview with General John Rendon, provides an unnerving glimpse into the global and covert trading of information, rumors and disinformation in order --in this case -- to foment war.


Photo Essay: The Edge of the World, by Sebastio Salgado (November 17)
In Sebastio Salgado's portfolio, "The Edge of the World," we journey to the solitary reaches of Antarctica and Patagonia where he documents in dramatic black and white photography the fragile starkness of the eco-system.

Media Marks Rolling Stone 1000th Cover Milestone

"Dazzling .... Since 1967 the magazine has been a sign of the times with music, politics and pop culture rooted in the belief that songs were more than just part of a youthful rebellion."
- NBC Today

"One of the few magazines that stayed true to its original mission and audience from the beginning … Wenner was able to maintain the original flavor and keep the passengers on board while bringing in new ones. RS is unique. There is nothing like it."
Samir Husni, University of Mississippi journalism professor - USA Today

“The magazine is now pushing 40…but the thrill has not gone away…”
- Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360

“A milestone – most magazines never come close to seeing that, especially in today’s climate.”
- Matt Lauer, Today Show