Small Magazines We Adore

Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, Nov 1, 2003

Byline: Jeff Bercovici

'Reason'

WHAT IT'S ABOUT: A political magazine of a different sort, Reason, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this month, preaches the gospel of libertarianism - the belief that government is more often the problem than the solution, whether the issue is pollution or terrorism. Its motto: "Free minds and free markets."

WHY WE LOVE IT: Given the seeming simplicity of its philosophy, Reason makes its case with a surprising degree of nuance and sensitivity to real-world considerations. Moreover, the magazine's refusal to carry water for either Democrats or Republicans is deeply refreshing in this era of partisan ugliness.

RECENT ARTICLES: An in-depth look at how the USA Patriot Act has eroded Americans' right to privacy; a controversial attack on food safety crusaders; a satirical essay on the bad lessons Hollywood films teach kids:"Car chases solve problems" and "Mutation is a viable path to self improvement."

AD BASE: Mainly book publishers and academic think tanks, including the Hoover Institution and the Cato Institute.

VERDICT: Readers of political magazines often prefer to have their biases flattered rather than challenged. But even when you disagree with Reason's arguments, you have to respect the consistency and integrity with which it advances them.