Morning Joe Extra: Graydon Carter - Detailed Summary
Episode Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts:
- Joe Scarborough
- Mika Brzezinski
- Willie Geist
Guest:
- Graydon Carter, Legendary Magazine Editor and Author of When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines
1. Introduction to Graydon Carter and His Memoir
The episode begins with the hosts introducing Graydon Carter, a towering figure in the magazine industry, known for his pivotal roles at Spy Magazine, the New York Observer, and most notably, Vanity Fair. Carter discusses his latest memoir, When the Going Was Good, which offers an inside look into his illustrious 25-year tenure at Vanity Fair and the broader magazine landscape during its golden age.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (01:05): “Our next guest is a titan… Graydon Carter is the former editor of Spy Magazine, the New York Observer, famously Vanity Fair, and he’s now chronicling his remarkable career in his new book.”
2. The Golden Age of Magazines
Carter reminisces about the golden era of magazines, spanning the late 1970s through the early 2000s. He attributes this period to the synergy of gifted editors, committed publishers, and intense competition, which collectively fostered an environment ripe for high-quality journalism and creative excellence.
Notable Insights:
- The competitiveness among top-tier magazines like Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, and The Atlantic drove each publication to excel.
- Carter (03:04): “Magazines were really good then… It was a very competitive period. Like Hollywood’s golden ages… made it more enjoyable and less enjoyable because every morning you woke up and think the other people are going to do a lot better than you.”
3. Breaking the Deep Throat Story
One of the centerpiece stories discussed is Carter's breakthrough of the "Deep Throat" identity—a pivotal moment in journalism. Carter narrates the meticulous two-year investigation that culminated in identifying Mark Felt as the informant who helped uncover the Watergate scandal.
Key Details:
- Initial Lead (04:47): Carter received a call from a lawyer representing Mark Felt, initiating the investigation.
- Process: Involving his editor, David Friend, Carter worked diligently to verify the lead without premature disclosure.
- Challenges: Competing with established journalists like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein posed significant risks.
- Outcome (07:05): Despite fears of being scooped, Vanity Fair successfully published the story, confirmed concurrently by Woodward and Bernstein.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (04:47): “We released the story this morning… Woodward and Bernstein just confirmed it.”
4. Reflections on Magazine Publishing Challenges
Carter delves into the logistical hurdles of magazine publishing, especially during the pre-digital era. He highlights the extended lead times necessary for editing, photographing, laying out, printing, and distributing a monthly magazine—processes that could take several weeks and were vulnerable to leaks and competitive pressures.
Notable Insights:
- Process Complexity (08:42): “We had to edit the story, photograph the story, lay out the story, check the story, print the issue, ship the issue… With a monthly magazine, you have 10 to 12 days to two weeks.”
- Comparison to Digital Age: A stark contrast to today's instantaneous news cycles, emphasizing the heightened risk and anticipation involved in magazine publishing.
5. The 1980s Magazine World and Industry Dynamics
Carter reflects on the 1980s magazine scene, a time marked by significant growth and prestige for publications. He credits influential figures like Signuhaus (likely a reference to a prominent publisher) for fostering an environment that attracted top-tier talent and enabled magazines like Architectural Digest and GQ to ascend to first-tier status.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (09:30): “He [Signuhaus] loved editors, he loved writers and photographers… spent a great deal…and wanted to make his magazines the best.”
6. Career Insights and Editorial Philosophy
Discussing his editorial approach, Carter emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with exceptional writers. He contrasts the editor's role with that of writers, highlighting that great editors enable writers to produce their best work by providing a supportive and resource-rich environment.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (13:36): “Surrounding yourself with the best writers you can find makes your job a lot easier… Great… They're already edited by senior editors. It’s almost a masterpiece.”
7. Current Views and Future of Magazines
Addressing concerns about the future of journalism and magazines, Carter remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges the challenges posed by digital media and financial constraints but believes that esteemed publications like The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Economist still hold significant value. His hope is that with proper investment and a focus on unique, in-depth storytelling, magazines can reclaim a central role in public discourse.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (15:43): “If you invest in magazines… they can come back and be a big part of the conversation as they are this week.”
8. The Impact of Canadian Heritage on Leadership
In a personal anecdote, Carter discusses how his Canadian upbringing influenced his leadership style. Contrary to perceptions of politeness being a weakness, he attributes his resilience and strength to experiences like playing hockey in harsh conditions, fostering an inner toughness that underpins his professional demeanor.
Notable Quote:
- Graydon Carter (16:49): “Canadians seem… very affable on the outside, but they’re very strong on the inside, partly because of the climate of their ancestors who settled the country.”
9. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with the hosts praising Carter's contributions to journalism and publishing. They express admiration for his memoir and express a desire to engage in future conversations, recognizing the depth and breadth of his experiences and insights.
Final Note:
- Interviewer (17:56): “The new book When the Going Was Good and Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines. It’s on sale right now. Author and legendary editor Graydon Carter. Thank you very much for coming in. It’s so good to see you.”
Summary: In this engaging episode of Morning Joe, Graydon Carter offers an in-depth exploration of his illustrious career in magazine publishing, from the zenith of print media's influence to the transformative challenges posed by the digital age. Through anecdotes like the groundbreaking Deep Throat story and reflections on the collaborative spirit of the 1980s magazine world, Carter provides valuable insights into the art of editing and the evolving landscape of journalism. His memoir serves as both a testament to a bygone era and a hopeful look toward the future of thoughtful, high-caliber magazine publishing.