Edward Felsenthal

Edward Felsenthal is an American journalist and media executive who served as the eighteenth editor-in-chief of Time magazine from September 2017 to March 2023. He holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University (class of 1988), a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a master's in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Felsenthal began his professional career in 1992 at The Wall Street Journal, where he reported on legal affairs, the U.S. Supreme Court, and politics for over 15 years, eventually rising to deputy managing editor. In 2008, he became the founding executive editor of The Daily Beast, overseeing the startup's rapid growth into a major digital news outlet. He joined Time Inc. in 2013 to lead digital initiatives before ascending to the top editorial role. During his tenure as editor-in-chief and later CEO (from 2018), Felsenthal guided Time's transition from weekly to biweekly print editions, emphasizing digital subscriptions and multimedia content to adapt to evolving media consumption patterns. Notable decisions included selecting the Silence Breakers (#MeToo movement) as 2017 Person of the Year and climate activist Greta Thunberg in 2019, choices that highlighted social and environmental issues but drew criticism for perceived ideological tilt amid Time's institutional left-leaning tendencies. He stepped down as editor-in-chief in 2023, retaining the position of executive chairman and transitioning to a contributing editor role.

Edward Felsenthal was born on September 3, 1966, in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was raised by his parents, Gloria and Eddie Felsenthal. His mother, Gloria, was born in Memphis in 1944. The family belonged to the Jewish community and was actively involved in Temple Israel, a Reform synagogue, with Felsenthal's grandparents—Ed Felsenthal (president 1954–1957), Jacob Felsenthal (president 1937–1939), Pearl Felsenthal, and Helga Cornell—holding leadership roles there.

Felsenthal grew up with two younger brothers, Marty and David, who later graduated from Memphis University School (MUS) in 1987 and 1988, respectively. The siblings participated in synagogue life, including Felsenthal's Bar Mitzvah in 1979 conducted with the congregation's traditional prayer book. Family Friday night gatherings with grandparents reinforced Jewish traditions and community ties during his childhood.