What Happened to Rolling Stone?
Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine founded in 1967 by Jann Wenner and Ralph J. Gleason, initially focusing on music, politics, and popular culture. After facing financial challenges in the 21st century, the magazine was fully acquired by Penske Media Corporation (PMC) in 2019, which has since overseen its digital expansion, international growth, and diversification into live events, solidifying its position as a multi-platform media brand.
Quick Answer
Rolling Stone magazine, founded in 1967, is currently owned entirely by Penske Media Corporation (PMC) since 2019. Under PMC, it has undergone a significant digital transformation, expanded its international editions, and diversified its revenue streams to include live events. As of July 2026, Gus Wenner serves as Executive Chairman and Julian Holguin as CEO, with the parent company, PMC, recently acquiring Vox Media, further cementing its role as a major digital media publisher.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Rolling Stone Magazine Founded
Jann Wenner and Ralph J. Gleason launch Rolling Stone in San Francisco, focusing on music, politics, and popular culture. The first issue features John Lennon on the cover.
Headquarters Relocates to New York City
Rolling Stone moves its operations from San Francisco to New York City, a move reflecting a shift in the cultural landscape and the magazine's evolving focus.
Apology for 'A Rape on Campus' Story
Managing editor Will Dana apologizes for not fact-checking the controversial article 'A Rape on Campus,' which detailed an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia.
'A Rape on Campus' Story Retracted
Following an external investigation by the Columbia School of Journalism, Rolling Stone retracts the discredited 'A Rape on Campus' article, leading to lawsuits and reputational damage.
49% Stake Sold to BandLab Technologies
Wenner Media sells a 49% non-controlling stake in Rolling Stone to BandLab Technologies, a Singapore-based music technology company, marking the beginning of Jann Wenner's divestment.
Penske Media Acquires Majority Stake
Penske Media Corporation (PMC) acquires a 51% controlling stake in Rolling Stone from Wenner Media, valuing the magazine at approximately $100 million.
Becomes a Monthly Magazine
Rolling Stone transitions from a bi-weekly publication to a monthly magazine, a change implemented under Penske Media's initial ownership.
Penske Media Acquires Full Ownership
Penske Media Corporation purchases the remaining 49% stake from BandLab Technologies, gaining full ownership of Rolling Stone magazine and its associated rights.
Jann Wenner Removed from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Board
Co-founder Jann Wenner is removed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame board of directors following controversial comments about Black and female musicians in a New York Times interview.
International Expansion Continues
Rolling Stone launches new localized editions in India, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Quebec, expanding its global reach under PMC's strategy.
New Executive Leadership Appointed
Gus Wenner is named Executive Chairman of Rolling Stone, and Julian Holguin, formerly President of Billboard, is appointed as the new CEO.
Sean Woods and Shirley Halperin Named Co-Editors-in-Chief
Sean Woods and Shirley Halperin are appointed as co-editors-in-chief of Rolling Stone, with Halperin becoming the magazine's first female editor-in-chief.
Penske Media Fully Acquires Vox Media
Penske Media Corporation, parent company of Rolling Stone, completes its full acquisition of Vox Media, integrating brands like The Verge and Eater into a new subsidiary, PMX, and becoming the largest digital publisher.
Featured at SXSW Future of Music Event
Rolling Stone continues its engagement with live events, featuring at the SXSW Future of Music event, highlighting its role in contemporary music and culture.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Rolling Stone magazine was established in San Francisco, California, on November 9, 1967, by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It quickly became known for its in-depth coverage of rock music, political reporting, notably by Hunter S. Thompson, and its distinctive photography, including early work by Annie Leibovitz. The magazine's creators aimed to reflect the artistic and political sensibilities of the student generation, combining professional journalism with a counterculture ethos.
In 1977, Rolling Stone relocated its headquarters from San Francisco to New York City, a move Wenner attributed to San Francisco becoming a 'cultural backwater.' Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the magazine broadened its focus beyond just rock music to include a wider array of youth-oriented popular culture, film, and television, aiming for a younger readership. This shift helped maintain its relevance, but the 21st century brought financial turmoil to the publication, mirroring broader challenges in the print media industry.
A significant turning point occurred in 2014-2015 with the highly controversial article "A Rape on Campus," which was later retracted due to severe journalistic failures and a lack of fact-checking. This incident led to lawsuits and damaged the magazine's reputation, prompting an external investigation by the Columbia School of Journalism.
Facing financial pressures, Jann Wenner began selling stakes in the magazine. In September 2016, a 49% stake was sold to Singapore-based BandLab Technologies. The following year, in December 2017, Penske Media Corporation (PMC) acquired a 51% controlling stake from Wenner Media, valuing the company at approximately $100 million. PMC, which owns other prominent media brands like Variety and Deadline, completed its full acquisition of Rolling Stone by purchasing BandLab's remaining 49% stake in January 2019, gaining complete ownership and all associated event and licensing rights.
Under Penske Media Corporation's ownership, Rolling Stone has undergone a significant revitalization. It transitioned to a monthly print publication from July 2018 and has focused heavily on digital expansion, international growth, and diversifying revenue streams through live events and brand licensing. PMC's strategy has aimed to leverage Rolling Stone's iconic brand for a multi-platform presence, leading to increased profitability for the first time in two decades by 2022.
As of July 2026, Rolling Stone continues to operate under PMC. Gus Wenner, Jann Wenner's son, who previously served as CEO, was appointed Executive Chairman in May 2025, with Julian Holguin taking over as CEO. The magazine maintains a strong digital presence and has expanded its international footprint, with new localized editions launching in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Quebec in 2024 and a relaunch of Rolling Stone MENA in 2025. In a major development for its parent company, PMC fully acquired Vox Media in June 2026, integrating brands like The Verge and Eater into a new subsidiary called PMX, positioning PMC as the largest publisher in digital media.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Rolling Stone made different choices?