Boston Magazine: A Legacy of City Journalism and Local Influence
For decades, Boston magazine has served as a definitive chronicle of life in the Hub, capturing the essence of the city's dining, culture, and political landscape. As a premier city and regional publication, it provides an essential lens through which residents and visitors alike can understand the evolving identity of Boston and its surrounding areas.
Key Facts
- Current Owner: Boston Globe Media (acquired January 2025).
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Chris Vogel.
- Core Focus: Local dining, culture, lifestyle, and regional politics.
- Notable Awards: General excellence award from the City and Regional Magazine Association (May 2015).
- Ancillary Titles: Boston Home and Boston Weddings.
A History of Ownership and Growth
The magazine's journey through the publishing industry began with its acquisition in October 1970 by Metrocorp Publishing, a Philadelphia-based company also known for owning Philadelphia magazine. At the time of this purchase from the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the publication had been in existence for approximately seven years.
Over the years, the magazine established itself as a powerhouse in the regional market. By 2006, it claimed a monthly publication of 500,000 issues and boasted one of the highest percentages of newsstand copies sold of any magazine in the United States. This commercial success was matched by critical acclaim, as the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) named it among the best city magazines in the nation nine times within a ten-year span.
In a significant shift in ownership, Boston Globe Media, the owner of The Boston Globe, acquired the magazine in January 2025.
Editorial Focus and Cultural Impact
Boston magazine blends lifestyle reporting with deep-dive feature articles. Its content is strategically divided into sections dedicated to local dining, culture, and lifestyle, while its long-form pieces often explore regional politics and the lives of notable figures.
The publication is perhaps best known for its annual special features, which serve as benchmarks for local excellence. These include the Best of Boston Awards, which rate the top shopping, services, arts, and dining in the region, as well as the "100 Most Influential People" and "50 Best Restaurants" lists.
Beyond its regular reporting, the magazine has demonstrated a profound ability to capture the city's emotional zeitgeist. In May 2013, the magazine gained national attention for its cover featuring a heart-shaped arrangement of running shoes from Boston Marathon participants, accompanied by the tagline "We Will Finish the Race" in tribute to the victims and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Expanding the Brand
To address specific niche markets within New England, the magazine produces two ancillary publications: Boston Home, a quarterly magazine focusing on home design, renovation, and decoration, and Boston Weddings, an annual resource for couples regarding regional wedding trends and planning.
The magazine maintains professional standards through its membership in the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA). While Chris Vogel currently serves as the editor-in-chief, the publication's vision has been shaped by former editors including Andrew Putz, John Wolfson, and Carly Carioli.
Circulation and Performance Summary
| Metric/Year | Value/Detail |
|---|---|
| 2006 Monthly Publication | 500,000 issues |
| 2018 Monthly Circulation | 75,000 |
| 2022 Monthly Circulation | 65,000 |
| 2025 Monthly Circulation (at acquisition) | 55,000 |
| CRMA General Excellence Award | Won May 2015 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns Boston magazine?
As of January 2025, the magazine is owned by Boston Globe Media, the parent company of The Boston Globe.
What are the "Best of Boston" Awards?
These are annual special features that highlight the top-rated dining, shopping, services, arts, and city life within Boston and the surrounding areas.
Does Boston magazine produce other publications?
Yes, it produces two ancillary titles: Boston Home, a quarterly design and renovation magazine, and Boston Weddings, an annual wedding planning resource.
Who is the current editor-in-chief?
The current editor-in-chief of Boston magazine is Chris Vogel.
Which professional organizations is the magazine affiliated with?
Boston magazine is a member of the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA).