They’re kicking it off with a bang!
Issa Rae was tapped for the TODAY show’s first-ever digital cover series, Yahoo! reports.
The popular morning show recently launched its first digital cover series, a remix of the traditional print magazine cover, which will be published quarterly. A staple in broadcast television for the last 70 years, the company is looking to expand its footprint, tackling all aspects of media.
In an effort to launch into the next chapter the right way, they decided to get a star whose story also aligned for their first cover, landing on entertainment mogul and Hollywood sweetheart Issa Rae. TODAY Editorial Director Arianna Davis, spoke to reporters about the vision and how it all came to be.
“It’s an exciting time at TODAY as we’ve been expanding the brand to be truly 360 across broadcast, digital, streaming and social…When we were thinking of people whose impact on the larger culture we wanted to highlight, Issa Rae immediately came to mind…The world has been eagerly anticipating what’s next from her, and the timing felt especially fitting as TODAY digital gears up for an exciting new chapter of our own,” said Davis.
Rae sat down with entertainment journalist Sylvia Obell to discuss what’s next for her career post Insecure, while also revealing where she’s at personally, even discussing future reflections about becoming a parent. Davis said TODAY felt Rae’s story was not only important for readers but a truly inspirational tale for an entire generation of how one person transformed a whole industry.
“She not only created a hit series for a generation of viewers thirsty for representation, but she’s also provided countless opportunities for people of color both in front of and behind the camera, almost single handedly transforming the way Hollywood has traditionally worked,” Davis explained.
The TODAY team is hoping to pivot into the next iteration of media seamlessly, utilizing more modern approaches to news that will resonate with generations to come.
“As we started thinking of different ways to offer our readers premium, unique storytelling, we loved the idea of our own TODAY digital spin on the traditional print magazine cover story. And the really unique thing about TODAY is that we’re fully 360 – we have the opportunity to tell stories on broadcast, but also on digital and social,” Davis said.
The TODAY digital cover story featuring Issa Rae is available to read now on Today.com.
Photos Courtesy of TODAY