History of Time (magazine) in Timeline

Time is a prominent American news magazine, established in New York City on March 3, 1923. For almost a century, it maintained a weekly publication schedule before shifting to a bi-weekly format in March 2020. Co-founder Henry Luce played a crucial role in shaping the magazine's influence and direction for many years.

1940: Love's Old Sweet Song Play

In 1940, William Saroyan listed the full Time editorial department in his play Love's Old Sweet Song.

1942: Launch of Canadian Edition

In 1942, Time magazine launched a Canadian edition featuring five pages of locally produced content and occasional Canadian covers.

May 7, 1945: First "X" Cover: Adolf Hitler

On May 7, 1945, Time magazine released its first issue with an "X" cover, featuring a red X over the face of Adolf Hitler following his death.

August 20, 1945: Second "X" Cover: Flag of Japan

On August 20, 1945, Time magazine released its second "X" cover, this time featuring a black X over the flag of Japan, symbolizing Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

1979: Changes to Canadian Edition

In 1979, following changes in the tax status of Canadian editions of American magazines, Time magazine closed most of its Canadian bureaus, except for Ottawa, and published identical content to the US edition but with Canadian advertising.

April 21, 2003: Third "X" Cover: Saddam Hussein

On April 21, 2003, Time magazine issued its third "X" cover, displaying a red X over Saddam Hussein's face shortly after the start of the Invasion of Iraq.

2005: "All-Time 100 Best Novels" and "All-Time 100 Movies" Lists

In 2005, Time magazine compiled and released the "All-Time 100 Best Novels" and "All-Time 100 Movies" lists, showcasing their selections of the greatest novels and films of all time.

May 2006: Richard Stengel Appointed Managing Editor

In May 2006, Richard Stengel became the managing editor of Time magazine.

June 19, 2006: Fourth "X" Cover: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

On June 19, 2006, Time magazine released another red "X" cover issue after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed.

2006: "You" as Person of the Year

In 2006, Time magazine named "You" as Person of the Year. This decision received mixed reviews, with some finding it creative and others preferring a specific individual. Editors Pepper and Timmer acknowledged the risk, stating they wouldn't repeat the decision.

2007: "The 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time" List

In 2007, Time magazine published "The 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time" list, curating their top picks for television programs.

2007: Time Magazine Redesign

In 2007, Time magazine underwent a redesign to modernize its format. Changes included reducing the red cover border, enlarging column titles, reducing featured stories, increasing whitespace, and adding writer photographs to opinion pieces. These changes were met with mixed reception.

December 2008: Discontinuation of Canadian Edition

In December 2008, Time magazine ceased publication of its Canadian edition.

May 20, 2011: Fifth "X" Cover: Osama bin Laden

On May 20, 2011, Time magazine published a fifth red "X" cover issue, marking the death of Osama bin Laden.

2011: Launch of Time LightBox and Photo Blog Award

In 2011, Time magazine launched Time LightBox, a photography blog curated by its photo department. In 2011, Life magazine recognized LightBox with a Photo Blog Award.

2012: "All-Time 100 Fashion Icons" List

In 2012, Time magazine created the "All-Time 100 Fashion Icons" list, highlighting influential figures in the world of fashion.

September 2013: Nancy Gibbs Appointed Managing Editor

In September 2013, Nancy Gibbs became the managing editor of Time magazine.

October 2013: Richard Stengel Joins U.S. State Department

In October 2013, Richard Stengel left his position as managing editor of Time magazine to join the U.S. State Department.

February 2016: Error in "100 Most Read Female Writers" List

In February 2016, Time magazine mistakenly included male author Evelyn Waugh on its "100 Most Read Female Writers in College Classes" list. This error received much media attention and raised concerns about the magazine's editorial oversight. Time later issued a retraction.

September 2017: Edward Felsenthal Appointed Managing Editor

In September 2017, Edward Felsenthal, previously Time's digital editor, succeeded Nancy Gibbs as the managing editor of Time magazine.

2017: "Silence Breakers" Named Person of the Year

In 2017, Time magazine named the "Silence Breakers", individuals who shared their personal experiences of sexual harassment, as Person of the Year.

November 2, 2020: "VOTE" Cover for U.S. Election

On November 2, 2020, the U.S. edition of Time magazine replaced its iconic "TIME" logo with the word "VOTE" on its cover for the first time. The cover featured artwork by Shepard Fairey, depicting a voter wearing a pandemic face mask, and included information on safe voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal described it as a "rare moment" in history.

2020: Sixth "X" Cover: The Year 2020

In December 2020, Time magazine's cover featured a red X scrawled over the year 2020, declaring it "the worst year ever" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.