Podcast Summary: On with Kara Swisher – Graydon Carter on Vanity Fair, Editing & a Short-Fingered Vulgarian Named Trump
Introduction
In the March 27, 2025 episode of "On with Kara Swisher", host Kara Swisher engages in an in-depth conversation with Graydon Carter, the legendary magazine editor renowned for co-founding Spy magazine in the 1980s and serving as the top editor for Vanity Fair for 25 years. Carter also discusses his new memoir, "When the Going Wasan Editor's Adventure during the Last Golden Age of Magazines," and his latest digital venture, Airmail.
Graydon Carter's Career and Memoir
Carter opens up about his extensive career in the magazine industry, highlighting his early days and the trajectory that led him to become a pivotal figure in journalism. He reflects on his memoir, where he portrays the golden era of magazines and details the transition from print to digital media.
Notable Quote:
"I've had many dinners with him [Kara], and just a very funny, interesting and erudite person." (04:00)
Relationship with Donald Trump
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Carter's longstanding relationship with Donald Trump. Carter recounts writing one of the first major profiles of Trump for GQ in the 1980s, where he dubbed him a "short-fingered Bulgarian," a nickname that has endured over the years. He contrasts the Trump of the 1980s with the man he observes today, expressing surprise and disappointment at Trump's unchanged nature.
Notable Quote:
"He bears no relationship to the man I met and the man I knew over 40 years. It's... he hasn't grown." (11:13)
Transition from Spy to Vanity Fair
Carter discusses his departure from Spy magazine after its sale to Johnny Pagozzi and Charles Saatchi, citing editorial meddling by the new owners as a primary reason. He then narrates his journey to becoming the editor of Vanity Fair, a role he initially did not anticipate but embraced wholeheartedly. Carter emphasizes the changes he implemented to cultivate a collegial and drama-free office environment.
Notable Quote:
"I like a collegial, convivial office with very little drama." (29:56)
Ownership in Media and Conde Nast
A significant discussion revolves around media ownership, specifically Carter's views on Cy Newhouse of Conde Nast. Carter praises Newhouse's hands-off approach, trusting editors to maintain editorial integrity without interference. He contrasts this with contemporary media owners like Jeff Bezos, critiquing Bezos's involvement in editorial processes as detrimental to the integrity of publications.
Notable Quote:
"Cy had trust in his editors, and if he felt the editors were not doing the proper job, he changed them." (33:05)
Anxiety and Failure in Editing
Carter delves into the role of anxiety and failure in shaping a successful editorial career. He shares personal anecdotes, including the anxiety surrounding Vanity Fair's revelation of Mark Felt as Deep Throat, highlighting how high-stakes situations can drive editors to produce their best work. Carter asserts that anxiety fuels a constant need for improvement, preventing complacency.
Notable Quote:
"Anxiety is the friend of doing something well." (38:22)
Innovation and the Golden Age of Magazines
Reflecting on the golden age of magazines, Carter discusses the innovative features he introduced at Vanity Fair, such as the Hollywood issue, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, and the Summit showcasing emerging entrepreneurs. These initiatives expanded the magazine's cultural footprint and fostered a vibrant community among staff and contributors.
Notable Quote:
"We thought Spy was going to be a magazine of funny reported journalism about the central figures of New York at the time." (40:10)
Current State of Magazines and Digital Transition
Carter evaluates the current landscape of the magazine industry, acknowledging the significant decline in ad revenue from $19 billion in 2007 to $6 billion in 2023. He observes that while print magazines face challenges, the best publications like The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Economist continue to thrive by offering exceptional content and robust online experiences. Carter emphasizes that editorial quality remains paramount for longevity.
Notable Quote:
"The good ones are still in pretty great shape." (46:06)
Launching Airmail
Transitioning to his latest project, Carter introduces Airmail, a digital weekly publication. He explains the inspiration behind Airmail—a desire to create a magazine-like experience that diverges from the relentless pace of hourly news cycles. Airmail aims to deliver curated, high-quality stories every Saturday morning, blending European and American content to engage readers seeking thoughtful journalism.
Notable Quote:
"It will just survive beyond me." (48:28)
Life Lessons for Aspiring Journalists
Towards the end of the episode, Carter offers valuable life lessons for those aspiring to enter journalism. He underscores the importance of having a clear purpose in one's work, noting that a defined mission increases the likelihood of success. Carter also highlights that quality content will always outlast fleeting trends, advocating for perseverance and resilience in the face of failures.
Notable Quote:
"If you have a point, you have a better chance of success." (40:14)
Conclusion
In closing, Carter shares his thoughts on the enduring impact of his work and the future of journalism. He remains optimistic about the potential of digital publications like Airmail to carve out unique niches in the media landscape. Carter's candid reflections provide a comprehensive look into the evolution of magazine journalism, the challenges of modern media ownership, and the personal experiences that have shaped his illustrious career.
Notable Quote:
"Quality will always win. It's a slower build, but it's a more lasting build." (50:43)
Final Thoughts
This episode of "On with Kara Swisher" offers a rich and engaging exploration of Graydon Carter's influential role in journalism, his nuanced relationship with Donald Trump, and his insights into the evolving media landscape. Carter's anecdotes and reflections provide valuable lessons for media professionals and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the enduring significance of quality editorial work amidst a rapidly changing industry.