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Music title Rock Sound saved by Gabriel Jagger’s Whynow

All of Rock Sound's former editorial employees were let go in January.

By Charlotte Tobitt

Gabriel Jagger’s Whynow Media Group has saved music title Rock Sound from closure, months after reviving a defunct CNN brand.

Rock Sound’s editorial staff of around four people were all made redundant by its former publisher in January as the website and magazine was closed.

However the website and online store relaunched on Monday and future plans for the magazine will be revealed at a later date, it said.

Some of the staff, including James Wilson-Taylor as creative director, have been rehired.

The title said in a statement: “It’s a whole new era for Rock Sound and we couldn’t be more excited about the future as we approach our 25th anniversary in 2024.”

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Rock Sound was no longer registered with ABC but in 2015, the latest figures available, its print title had an average monthly circulation of 13,924.

In January Whynow revived CNN’s former short documentary brand Great Big Story, which originally closed in 2020, with a partnership licence.

Whynow’s founder Jagger is the youngest son of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall, whose divorce to Rupert Murdoch finalised last year. Private Eye has reported that Gabriel was “given a large sum of money by Murdoch to start his own media business”, although this characterisation has not been confirmed by the company to Press Gazette.

The acquisition of Rock Sound was Whynow’s seventh investment in a brand since the start of 2022. It also runs its own news and review website dedicated to media and arts, and produces television and podcasts for other brands.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

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