History in TIME

TIME magazine was created in 1923 by former Yale students Briton Hadden and Henry Luce. The pair originally worked as chairman and managing editor of the Yale Daily Newspaper. TIME was the first weekly news magazine for the United States. The magazine's original intention can best be explained by the anachronism many, including TIME, suggest TIME actually stands for The International Magazine of Events.

Trademarks of TIME

History has treated TIME well. It has managed to prosper in every decade since its birth. However, it is time for TIME to readjust. Its seat on complacency has just about expired, and although there are a few key timeless elements of the magazine, many things have changed within its infrastructure. Change is crucial and must continue for the survival of TIME. Whatever inevitable changes that may occur in the future, one thing is clear: the magazine is an American icon.

Like every icon, it contains its own unique trademarks. The developed trademarks of TIME are now as famous as the magazine itself. They are the few elements that have remained timeless, and although the magazine now is currently reinventing itself, these are the few things that will remain unscathed by the process.

In 1927 TIME first introduced its signature red border to the nation. The red border has been absent only twice in history: once, after the assassination of John Franklin Kennedy, and then again after September 11, 2001. The magazine changed the color to black in order to symbolize mourning.

Also symbolizing the trademark of TIME is the annual TIME Person of the Year. The Person of the Year is someone whom TIME believes has impacted that year's world news the most. The designated person's face is put on the cover, and an article is written featuring the reasons why he or she is the TIME Person of the Year.

However unconventional it may seem due to the name, the award does not necessarily have to go to a particular person. In the past the award has been given to the personal computer, and in 2006 the award was given to "You," representing the every-day individual. Also, the title is not always given to those who have positively impacted the news. Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin have each been featured as TIME's Person of the Year.

These components of TIME magazine have remained steadfast since its beginning, and offered readers throughout its history some consistency. However, because TIME reports on the news, which is an overall reflection of "the new," the format and material itself must be progressive. In the past, readapting to "what's next" is what has continued TIME's prosperity. As of recent studies, TIME's success may be in jeopardy. Has TIME become stagnant? The relationship it has developed with America is a push-me-pull-me balancing act, and although TIME has historically mastered that balance of keeping up and pushing forward, what is it doing to continue its affluence in the present and future?