Who Owns People?
People magazine is owned by Dotdash Meredith, the digital and print publishing subsidiary of IAC (NASDAQ: IAC). Founded by Time Inc. in 1974, People passed through the Meredith Corporation acquisition of Time Inc. in 2018 before becoming part of Dotdash Meredith when IAC acquired Meredith's national media brands in 2021 for approximately $2.7 billion. People.com is among the most-visited entertainment news websites in the United States.
Parent Company
IAC Inc.
Acquired
2021
Status
Private
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Who Owns People?
- Parent Company: IAC Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2021
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Nasdaq: IAC
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| People | IAC Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of People
- Founded: 1974
- Founders: Time Inc.
- Acquired by IAC Inc.: 2021
Time Inc. launched People in 1974, modeled partly on the People section of Time magazine. The publication targeted readers interested in celebrity profiles, entertainment news, and human-interest stories. It quickly became the highest-revenue magazine in America, driven by exclusive celebrity interviews, major entertainment coverage, and weekly cover stories.
People's business model relies on exclusive photography rights and access agreements with celebrities and their publicists, which the magazine has maintained through decades of ownership changes. Its annual "Sexiest Man Alive" feature (launched 1985) and "50 Most Beautiful People" list became cultural touchstones.
People.com has become one of the most-visited entertainment news websites in the United States, extending the magazine brand's reach to digital audiences. The brand generates revenue through digital and print advertising, licensing, and branded content partnerships.
About IAC Inc.
What does IAC own?
As of early 2026, IAC's primary holdings are Dotdash Meredith (digital and print media publisher owning People, InStyle, Better Homes and Gardens, Investopedia, Allrecipes, and over 40 other brands) and a controlling stake in Angi Inc. (home services marketplace). IAC has historically created and spun off major companies including Match Group, Expedia, and LendingTree.
Is IAC publicly traded?
Yes. IAC Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol IAC. Barry Diller controls the company through a super-voting Class B share structure. Angi Inc., a subsidiary, is separately listed on Nasdaq under ticker ANGI.
Who founded IAC?
IAC was built by Barry Diller, who acquired Silver King Communications in 1992 and used it as the vehicle for constructing IAC's portfolio over the subsequent three decades. Diller previously served as chairman of Paramount Pictures and founded the Fox Broadcasting Company before acquiring the entity that became IAC.
What is Dotdash Meredith?
Dotdash Meredith is IAC's digital and print media publishing subsidiary, formed through IAC's Dotdash business acquiring Meredith Corporation's magazine and digital brands in 2022 for approximately $2.7 billion. The combined entity is the largest magazine and digital media publisher in the United States, reaching approximately 175 million monthly unique visitors across its portfolio.
Has IAC spun off any major companies?
Yes. IAC's model is explicitly built around creating or acquiring internet businesses, growing them, and distributing them to shareholders as independent public companies. Major spin-offs include Expedia (2005), Match Group (2015 to 2020), and LendingTree (2008). This spin-off model is one of the most distinctive characteristics of IAC as a corporate structure.
- Founded: 1986
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Nasdaq: IAC
- Revenue: ~$2 billion (FY2024)
- Employees: ~4,000
Where Is People Made / Based?
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Frequently Asked Questions About People
Sources & Further Reading
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People on AmazonCompetitors to People
No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because Peopleoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.
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