**People Magazine: A Legacy of Celebrity and Human-Interest Journalism** **What It Does:** People magazine is a weekly American publication that specializes in stories about celebrities, political figures, and human-interest narratives. It is renowned for its intimate coverage of famous individuals and its annual special issues, such as "World's Most Beautiful People" and "Sexiest Man Alive." The magazine blends celebrity news with stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, making it a staple in American popular culture. **History:** Launched on March 4, 1974, by Time Inc., People was the brainchild of Andrew Heiskell, with Richard Stolley as its founding managing editor. The first issue featured Mia Farrow on the cover and included stories on Gloria Vanderbilt and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Initially, the magazine was sold mainly on newsstands and in supermarkets, breaking even 18 months after its debut despite a significant investment of $40 million. **Key Achievements:** - **Rapid Success:** By 1977, People reached three million in guaranteed circulation, a number it maintained for decades. - **Circulation and Profitability:** In the late 1990s, circulation hit 3.5 million, with total circulation reaching 3.6 million by 2002. - **Influence on Celebrity Culture:** People has been a leading force in shaping celebrity gossip and culture, maintaining a reputation for fact-checked journalism. **Current Status:** Today, People is one of the best-selling weeklies globally and a major asset for its publisher. It continues to evolve with digital platforms, though it has faced challenges in maintaining its print dominance amidst the rise of online media. **Notable Aspects:** - **Special Issues:** Annual features like "Oscar Style" and "Best and Worst Dressed" remain popular. - **Sister Publications:** Past editions included *Teen People* and *People StyleWatch*, a fashion guide. - **C