Close to 400 business leaders, prominent residents and City officials attended the official Launch Party for the Beverly Hills Courier Nov. 12. The event took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Fittingly, one of the highlights of the event was the presence of the venue’s benefactress. Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dropped by to show her support for the Courier’s new owners, new design and editorial direction.
Wallis Annenberg granted a rare interview for the inaugural issue of the reimagined Beverly Hills Courier Style magazine, which was distributed at the launch.
Giselle Fernandez, the Emmy Award- winning anchor of Spectrum 1 News, served as mistress of ceremonies for the launch. She opened the program with remarks about the importance of local news coverage.
In fact, Spectrum aired an extensive package that went “behind the scenes” of the first issue of Style, with footage from the Courier newsroom, editorial offices and printing facilities. Courier Publisher Lisa Bloch was then interviewed on a live segment of Spectrum 1 News on Nov. 11.
(To view the Spectrum 1 News segment, visit https://bhcourier.com/2019/11/11/beverly-hills-courier-launch-featured-on-spectrum-news-1/)
Additional speakers at the launch included Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch, who gave brief congratulatory remarks. He was followed by Bloch and fellow Publisher John Bendheim. Both described the vision and journey of more than a year that culminated in the purchase of the nearly 55-year-old publication in August.
That journey is ongoing. In addition to the new Style magazine, the Courier launched a redesign of the newspaper on Nov. 8. Plans are underway to completely redesign the look, scope and functionality of the Courier’s website, as well.
Bloch and Bendheim each emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the Courier and the community. Participation, communication and support are essential on both sides in order to make the venture successful going forward.
It was a point well-taken and well received by attendees, who braved the brilliant sunshine during the early afternoon event. Presentations concluded with a preview performance from the upcoming “Love Actually LIVE,” currently in rehearsals at The Wallis.
In addition to networking with each other and the members of the Courier team, attendees enjoyed a lunch spread courtesy of the Drago Group. The four famous Drago restaurateur brothers were on hand to personally oversee a bounty of passed appetizers, antipasti, sushi, a hot pasta station, desserts and more.
