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U.S. Weekly Editor-in-Chief Abruptly Departs

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/01/u-s-weekly-editor-in-chief-abruptly-departs.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 5:36 GMT by TheWrap
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 1st, 2026 - U.S. Weekly is once again navigating a leadership transition, with Editor-in-Chief Dan Wakeford unexpectedly stepping down from his role after less than a year at the helm. The news, first reported by TheWrap earlier today, has sent ripples through the celebrity and entertainment media landscape, leaving industry observers questioning the direction of the long-running publication. As of this writing, U.S. Weekly has remained tight-lipped, offering no official statement regarding Wakeford's departure or plans for a successor.

Wakeford assumed the editor-in-chief position in April 2024, inheriting a publication steeped in tradition - and facing increasing pressure to adapt in a rapidly evolving media environment. U.S. Weekly, traditionally known for its print magazine featuring celebrity photos and often candid gossip, has been battling declining circulation figures common to many print publications. The challenge has been to maintain its core appeal while effectively transitioning to a digital-first strategy, catering to a younger, more digitally-native audience.

Prior to joining U.S. Weekly, Wakeford brought with him a wealth of experience from the British tabloid press, having held leadership roles at The Sun and Daily Star. These publications are renowned for their aggressive reporting style, emphasis on visual storytelling, and deep understanding of the celebrity news cycle. It was widely anticipated that Wakeford would leverage this experience to inject new energy into U.S. Weekly, and early indications suggested he was attempting to do just that.

Sources within the company, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest Wakeford's modernization efforts included a significant investment in digital video content, a revamped social media strategy focused on short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and a push to secure more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access to A-list celebrities. He reportedly championed a more interactive online experience, encouraging user-generated content and fostering a stronger sense of community among U.S. Weekly's readership.

However, the speed and scope of these changes appear to have met with internal resistance. While some welcomed the attempts to innovate, others reportedly expressed concern that the publication was straying too far from its core identity. The delicate balance between embracing new technologies and preserving the brand's heritage has long been a challenge for legacy media outlets, and U.S. Weekly seems to have been no exception.

The lack of transparency surrounding Wakeford's exit only fuels speculation. Was his departure voluntary, a result of disagreements over the future direction of the publication, or something else entirely? Industry analysts suggest several possibilities. One theory posits that Wakeford's ambitious modernization plans simply weren't yielding the desired results quickly enough, leading to a loss of confidence from the publication's ownership. Another suggests internal conflicts may have made it impossible for him to effectively lead the team. A third possibility is that the publication is undergoing a broader restructuring, and Wakeford's departure is part of a larger strategic shift.

The timing of the announcement is particularly noteworthy, coming at a relatively slow point in the entertainment news cycle. This could indicate a deliberate attempt to minimize disruption and manage the narrative surrounding the change. The search for a replacement is now underway, and the selection of the next editor-in-chief will be crucial in determining the future of U.S. Weekly. Will the publication continue down the path of modernization, or will it opt for a more conservative approach? Will it prioritize digital growth over print circulation, or will it attempt to strike a balance between the two?

The industry will be watching closely to see how U.S. Weekly navigates this latest challenge. The publication faces stiff competition from a plethora of digital entertainment news sources, including online gossip blogs, social media influencers, and streaming services that are increasingly producing their own celebrity content. To survive and thrive in this crowded landscape, U.S. Weekly must clearly define its unique value proposition and effectively communicate it to its target audience. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of this iconic celebrity news outlet. The question remains: can U.S. Weekly successfully reinvent itself for the digital age, or is it destined to become another casualty of the changing media landscape?