Heir Apparent?

Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, Jan 1, 2004 by Jeff Bercovici

Byline: Jeff Bercovici

Can a Kennedy-by-proxy pick up where the late JFK Jr. left off? Independent startup The New Frontier, the brainchild of Helen O'Donnell - whose father, Kenneth O'Donnell, was a top adviser to President Kennedy - has had several false starts over the past two years. But the self-anointed heir to George has locked itself into a February launch date, insists Gary LaForest, general manager and deputy editor. To reflect its mix of politics and entertainment, TNF will hold launch events in Hollywood and Washington. LaForest says the magazine will focus on "the actions taken in government, media and politics and where those actions are taking us in the future." The first issue will feature interviews with Chuck Hegel and other "philosopher senators." For issue two, LaForest promises an "interview with a major Hollywood figure who is in trouble over a movie." (The possibilities are endless.) All of this, of course, is assuming TNF can nail down the $10 million in funding it seeks.