Ebony Mag, downsizing and moving editorial operations to LA

Ebony magazine is cutting nearly a third of its staff and consolidating editorial operations with sister publication Jet in Los Angeles — a major shake-up for the venerable Chicago-based chronicler of the African-American experience.

A monthly lifestyle magazine that has called Chicago home since it was launched in 1945, Ebony is laying off about 10 of 35 employees, including editor-in-chief Kyra Kyles. Tracey Ferguson, who became the Los Angeles-based editor of Jet in February, will be responsible for both magazines going forward.

“There was a significant consolidation of the editorial staff as well as some of the digital staff,” Michael Gibson, co-founder and chairman of Ebony owner CVG Group, said Friday.

Ebony Media will retain a downsized Chicago office after the magazine pulls up stakes for the West Coast, Gibson said. Linda Johnson Rice, newly renamed Ebony Media CEO, will remain in her role and will be based in Chicago.