Former Forbes editor James Michaels, who ran the business magazine for nearly four decades, has died at the age of 86 from pneumonia, according to a story on the magazine’s web site.
The story, written by Steve, Bob, Kip and Tim Forbes, said, “When he took the helm of Forbes in 1961–he had joined the company in 1954–he brilliantly turned what was then a second-rate publication into not only the leader of the business category but also one of the best magazines both here and around the world.
“He virtually created modern business journalism. He saw Forbes as the ‘drama critic’ of business. Under his stewardship, Forbes became the definitive source of who was doing well, and who wasn’t, and why.
“While Forbes stories were full of statistics, Jim always made sure they focused on the people in charge. Business–which was once regarded as a dull area of dry statistics–became a fascinating stage of drama, triumphs and tragedies, thanks to Jim’s editorial flair and leadership.
“Jim was a relentless foe of verbosity; as one former editor quipped, ‘Jim could edit the Lord’s Prayer down to six words, and nobody would miss anything.'”
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