Dev Pragad Leads Newsweek Into a New Multimedia Era with ‘Newsmakers’ Series Featuring Spike Lee
Newsmakers is a 10-minute video documentary format that blends cinematic storytelling with in-depth journalism.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Dev Pragad, Newsweek has taken another bold step in its transformation into a dynamic, multimedia-first news platform with the launch of its new editorial video series, Newsmakers. Designed to spotlight influential voices shaping culture, politics, and public life, the series kicks off with a powerful first episode featuring legendary filmmaker and cultural icon Spike Lee.
Newsmakers is a 10-minute video documentary format that blends cinematic storytelling with in-depth journalism. Each installment explores the personal journeys, professional impact, and cultural contributions of individuals whose work defines our current moment. Far from the quick-hit interviews or soundbite-driven profiles common on social media, Newsmakers is built to offer audiences a deeper, more meaningful look at the people behind the headlines.
The decision to launch Newsmakers aligns with Dev Pragad’s broader strategy of reimagining Newsweek as a digital-first, globally influential media brand. Since becoming CEO in 2016, Pragad has driven Newsweek’s remarkable turnaround, growing its monthly readership to over 100 million and repositioning the 90-year-old publication as a leader in modern journalism. The introduction of Newsmakers is a clear signal that Newsweek is not just keeping pace with the changing media landscape—it’s helping define it.
“Newsmakers is a reflection of our belief that journalism should do more than inform—it should inspire, connect, and create conversation,” said Pragad in a recent statement. “In a fragmented media environment, we’re doubling down on high-quality storytelling that travels across platforms and meets audiences wherever they are.”
The inaugural episode sets the tone with one of the most influential voices in film and activism: Spike Lee. Known for his provocative and thought-provoking storytelling, Lee has long been a force in shaping conversations around race, politics, art, and justice. In his Newsmakers episode, Lee reflects on his decades-spanning career, the power of narrative filmmaking, and his ongoing commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices.
The feature captures not just Lee’s work as a filmmaker but also his role as a cultural commentator and thought leader. From Do the Right Thing to BlacKkKlansman, his films have consistently held a mirror to society, urging viewers to think critically about the world around them. With a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and direct commentary, the episode offers an immersive look at what continues to drive one of America’s most iconic directors.
Complementing the video content, each Newsmakers episode will be paired with a long-form digital article and a limited-edition collectible magazine cover. This approach bridges Newsweek’s traditional editorial strengths with its increasingly dynamic visual storytelling. The print edition featuring Spike Lee became available on May 16, serving as both a collector’s item and a nod to Newsweek’s enduring legacy in print journalism.
Newsmakers is also engineered for the modern digital landscape. The content is optimized for mobile viewing and distributed across Newsweek’s website and social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram. This multi-platform strategy ensures that Newsmakers reaches a diverse and expansive audience, from casual browsers to deeply engaged readers.
Dev Pragad’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping this direction. Known for his emphasis on innovation and impact, Pragad has been a consistent advocate for integrating storytelling with technology. “We don’t just want to cover the news—we want to elevate it, give it texture, and bring it to life,” he has noted in past interviews. Newsmakers exemplifies this philosophy by offering content that is as visually engaging as it is editorially rich.
This new series also highlights Newsweek’s role in fostering public discourse around meaningful issues. By focusing on figures like Spike Lee—who challenge norms, ignite dialogue, and drive social change—Newsmakers aims to spotlight the leaders, creators, and disruptors who are shaping the narrative of our time.
With more episodes already in development, the Newsmakers series promises to become a defining feature of Newsweek’s editorial slate. Each episode will continue to reflect the publication’s commitment to elevating voices that matter and exploring stories that resonate on a global scale.
As Dev Pragad continues to guide Newsweek into its next chapter, initiatives like Newsmakers show that the brand’s future is not just digital—it’s experiential, immersive, and deeply human. In a world awash with headlines, Newsmakers gives audiences a reason to stop, watch, and truly listen.
