John Fox, former City Beat editor and Soapbox Cincinnati managing editor, has been named editor of Cincinnati Magazine.
He replaces editor-in-chief Jay Stowe, who was let go with four other staffers in a downsizing three weeks ago.
"John is such a talent, and is an impeccable fit for this role," says Ivy Bayer, Cincinnati Magazine publisher.
"He not only keeps a keen pulse on the latest happenings in Cincinnati, but his vibrant writing style, inspirational leadership and studious perspective will perfectly complement and energize our incredibly talented editorial team. We are thrilled to have him aboard," she says.
For nearly 17 years, Fox was editor and co-publisher of CityBeat (1994-2012). He oversaw planning, and contributed and edited content to the weekly publication and the website. Fox, a University of Missouri graduate, also created the CityBeat Events division and oversaw the MidPoint Music Festival, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Fox was managing editor for the Soapbox Cincinnati website from December 2014 to August 2016. He spent the two years between CityBeat and Soapbox Media at 3CDC as vice president for programming and operations, planning and supervising events at Fountain Square and Washington Park.
Since 2014, Fox has been a self-employed writer and editor. He has worked with clients to create, plan and execute marketing and promotional projects, and created and edited online content.
On July 26, Cincinnati Magazine reduced its staff to 22 by laying off Stowe; articles editor R. J. Smith; dining editor Joanne Drilling; photo editor LuAnne DeMeo; and creative services director Sue Goldberg.
In late spring, the number of editorial pages was cut from about 75 to 62, and the freelance budget was chopped 30 percent for stories, photography and illustrations. The downsizing came after Detroit's Hour Media Group purchased the magazine in March from Emmis Communications in Indianapolis.
Cincinnati Magazine publishes its 50th anniversary edition in October.
