Is it a Wrap for Ebony Magazine? Ebony says “exploring range of options”

Newsweek reports (Ebony: Up for Sale?) that Johnson Publishing Company, founded on a $500 loan could be up for sale. In a Newsweek web exclusive, Johnnie L. Roberts reports

According to media and investment executives familiar with the developments, Chicago-based Rice, the daughter of Ebony’s legendary founder, the late John H. Johnson, has approached, among others, Time Inc., Viacom, and private investors that include buyout firms. Time Inc., the world’s largest periodical publisher, already owns Essence, a monthly lifestyle, beauty, and fashion magazine for African-American women. Viacom, meanwhile, owns BET (Black Entertainment Television).

BlackWeb20.com received this official statement from Johnson headquarters in response to our questions concerning the details of the possible sale especially the inclusion of Web properties and a deadline date to complete a transaction before Ebony’s doors will shut close:

As we’ve indicated previously, we are exploring a range of options to support our core media business. However, we are not in discussions with Time Inc. and Viacom.