Dev Pragad’s Vision Brings Newsweek’s Legacy Into the Future

Dev Pragad’s Vision Brings Newsweek’s Legacy Into the Future
Newsweek CEO, Dev Pragad. © Image courtesy Newsweek

When Dev Pragad stepped into the leadership role at Newsweek, he inherited one of the most storied brands in journalism. Today, the company is not only thriving but actively reshaping its identity and its role in the global conversation.

In September 2025, Newsweek announced a sweeping visual redesign under the banner “A World Drawn Closer.” The redesign marks the most significant visual transformation in decades. More than a new logo or color palette, it represents a reinvention of how the publication connects with its audience. A unified visual language now links its magazine, website, social platforms, video programming, and franchises, creating a consistent experience rooted in clarity and trust.

Pragad’s leadership philosophy has always been tied to accessibility and cultural relevance. This is why Newsmakers, Newsweek’s free video-first series, is central to its evolution. The series showcases the figures shaping society, giving viewers access to their stories without a paywall. Spike Lee set the tone with the premiere episode, followed by Liam Neeson and Clark Hunt with the Kansas City Chiefs.

By distributing the series freely on YouTube, Newsweek signals that it values reach and impact over exclusivity. Each episode combines intimate storytelling with a strong editorial component, positioning Newsweek not only as a source of news but also as a cultural curator.

“Our new identity is both a tribute to Newsweek’s extraordinary legacy and a bold step into its next chapter,” Pragad said during the launch of the redesign. He sees the new look as a statement of strength and connection in an increasingly fragmented information ecosystem.

This evolution also comes at a moment of industry disruption. AI platforms are changing how audiences find and consume information, and Dev Pragad is determined to ensure Newsweek isn’t left behind. Instead of depending entirely on search-driven advertising, he is diversifying revenue with vertical content strategies, data-driven rankings, direct advertising, and new partnerships.

The new brand identity, created with the renowned design studio 2×4, reflects Newsweek’s editorial values visually. It includes a refined wordmark, a striking red-and-paper palette, elegant typography, and human-centered photography. The tagline “A World Drawn Closer” captures the publication’s purpose: to bridge divides and bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

As subscriptions expand and verticals deepen, Newsweek’s growth strategy aligns with its cultural mission. Pragad’s approach prioritizes both innovation and trust, blending strong financial footing with meaningful journalism.

For him, the redesign and Newsmakers are part of a single vision. They reflect a modern Newsweek that honors its heritage but is unafraid to evolve. The world is changing fast, and under Dev Pragad, so is Newsweek.