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Rolling Stone magazine was established in New York City in 1977.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967.
The inaugural issue of Rolling Stone was published in a glossy magazine format.
Answer: False
Explanation: This is inaccurate. The first issue, released in November 1967, was presented in a tabloid newspaper format.
The magazine's name, 'Rolling Stone,' derived its inspiration exclusively from a Bob Dylan song.
Answer: False
Explanation: This is false. While influenced by Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone,' the name also drew inspiration from an old saying and a Muddy Waters song.
Rolling Stone actively avoided any association with the prevailing hippie counterculture of the 1960s.
Answer: False
Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. Rolling Stone initially identified with and reported on the 1960s counterculture, though it distinguished itself through more traditional journalistic standards.
Rolling Stone's slogan, 'All the news that fits,' was a direct quotation from The New York Times.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The slogan 'All the news that fits' was a deliberate parody of The New York Times' established slogan, 'All The News That's Fit To Print'.
Rolling Stone received its inaugural National Magazine Award for an article concerning the Altamont Free Concert.
Answer: False
Explanation: This is incorrect. Rolling Stone's first National Magazine Award was awarded in 1970 for its feature on Charles Manson, not for the Altamont Free Concert coverage.
The magazine's slogan, 'All the news that fits,' was adopted in the year 1967.
Answer: False
Explanation: The slogan 'All the news that fits' was first used in 1969, not 1967.
Jann Wenner and Ralph J. Gleason established Rolling Stone with the primary objective of covering jazz music.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wenner and Gleason founded Rolling Stone to cover rock music and its associated culture, not jazz.
The magazine's name, 'Rolling Stone,' is explicitly referenced in a musical composition by the band The Rolling Stones.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Rolling Stone' holds significance in music history through its association with Bob Dylan's seminal song 'Like a Rolling Stone,' and the band The Rolling Stones, whose name originates from Muddy Waters' song of the same title, but the magazine's name is not directly referenced in a song by the band.
Specify the city and year of Rolling Stone magazine's inception.
Answer: San Francisco, 1967
Explanation: Rolling Stone magazine was established in San Francisco, California, in 1967.
Describe the publication format of Rolling Stone's inaugural issue.
Answer: A tabloid newspaper
Explanation: The first issue of Rolling Stone was published in a tabloid newspaper format.
The naming of 'Rolling Stone' magazine was influenced by all of the following sources, with one exception:
Answer: A song by The Rolling Stones band
Explanation: The name 'Rolling Stone' was influenced by an old saying, a Muddy Waters song, and Bob Dylan's song 'Like a Rolling Stone.' It was NOT directly influenced by a song by the band The Rolling Stones.
In what manner did Rolling Stone distinguish its approach from contemporary underground newspapers of the 1960s?
Answer: By adhering to more traditional journalistic standards.
Explanation: Rolling Stone differentiated itself by adhering to more traditional journalistic standards, thereby distinguishing its editorial approach from the more radical or less formal styles prevalent in many underground papers of the era.
Identify the slogan employed by Rolling Stone and the publication it parodied.
Answer: 'All the news that fits' - parody of The New York Times' slogan.
Explanation: Rolling Stone utilized the slogan 'All the news that fits,' which served as a parody of The New York Times' well-known slogan, 'All The News That's Fit To Print'.
What significant journalistic accolade did Rolling Stone receive in 1970?
Answer: Its first National Magazine Award for a Charles Manson feature.
Explanation: In 1970, Rolling Stone was awarded its first National Magazine Award for its extensive feature on Charles Manson.
Throughout the 1980s, Rolling Stone shifted its editorial focus away from music and towards political coverage.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the 1980s, Rolling Stone began to broaden its scope, increasing coverage of entertainment and celebrities, rather than shifting primarily towards politics.
Tom Wolfe's novel 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' was initially published in its entirety as a book prior to its serialization in Rolling Stone.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' was first serialized in Rolling Stone magazine between 1984 and 1985 before its publication as a complete novel.
Historically, Rolling Stone has endorsed Republican candidates and championed Republican causes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rolling Stone has consistently aligned with and endorsed liberal and progressive candidates and causes throughout its history.
Rolling Stone has published critical analyses pertaining to both George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
Answer: True
Explanation: The magazine has featured critical reporting and commentary on both presidents.
The 'Perception/Reality' campaign launched in 1985 was intended to reposition Rolling Stone's image towards more radical political discourse.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Perception/Reality' campaign aimed to re-establish the magazine's relevance and appeal, particularly to advertisers, by comparing its cultural significance to that of the 1980s, rather than shifting towards radical politics.
The 'Record Guide' published by Rolling Stone faced criticism for its extensive inclusion of hip-hop music.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Record Guide' was criticized for largely ignoring hip-hop and offering dismissive reviews of heavy metal, rather than covering hip-hop extensively.
What specific criticism was leveled against Rolling Stone during the 1990s?
Answer: Emphasizing style over substance to appeal to younger readers.
Explanation: During the 1990s, Rolling Stone faced criticism for prioritizing style over substance in an effort to appeal to a younger demographic.
In what format was Tom Wolfe's novel 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' initially published?
Answer: Serialized in Rolling Stone magazine.
Explanation: Tom Wolfe's novel 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' was initially published in serialized installments within Rolling Stone magazine.
Characterize the typical political alignment attributed to Rolling Stone.
Answer: Liberal or progressive.
Explanation: Rolling Stone's political alignment is frequently characterized as liberal or progressive.
What specific criticism was directed at 'The Rolling Stone Record Guide' concerning its treatment of musical genres?
Answer: It largely ignored hip-hop and panned heavy metal.
Explanation: 'The Rolling Stone Record Guide' faced criticism for largely neglecting hip-hop music and offering dismissive reviews of heavy metal.
John Lennon was prominently featured on the cover of Rolling Stone's inaugural issue.
Answer: True
Explanation: The first cover of Rolling Stone featured John Lennon in costume for the film 'How I Won the War'.
Hunter S. Thompson pioneered the 'New Journalism' style through his contributions to Rolling Stone.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While Hunter S. Thompson was a prominent figure associated with Rolling Stone and a practitioner of innovative journalistic styles, he is primarily recognized for pioneering 'Gonzo Journalism,' not 'New Journalism'.
Annie Leibovitz's photographic work graced over 140 covers of Rolling Stone.
Answer: True
Explanation: Annie Leibovitz, who became the magazine's chief photographer in 1973, produced iconic imagery for more than 140 Rolling Stone covers.
Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi are recognized for revitalizing interest in Rolling Stone during the late 2000s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The impactful reporting of journalists Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi is credited with re-engaging readers and enhancing the magazine's relevance in the late 2000s.
The Beatles hold the record for the highest number of cover appearances in Rolling Stone magazine.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Beatles, individually or as a group, have appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone more times than any other artist.
In August 2025, Shirley Halperin assumed the role of co-editor-in-chief, becoming the first female to hold this position at Rolling Stone.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shirley Halperin's appointment in August 2025 as co-editor-in-chief, alongside Sean Woods and as head of music, marks a historic milestone as she becomes Rolling Stone's first female editor-in-chief.
The cover of the January 22, 1981, issue, featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono, has subsequently been recognized as the 'Greatest Rolling Stone Cover Ever'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The iconic cover featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono has been recognized by Vanity Fair as the 'Greatest Rolling Stone Cover Ever,' underscoring its iconic status.
Identify the individual featured on the cover of Rolling Stone's inaugural issue.
Answer: John Lennon
Explanation: John Lennon was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone's inaugural issue.
Identify the distinct journalistic style pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson during his tenure with Rolling Stone.
Answer: Gonzo Journalism
Explanation: Hunter S. Thompson is most famously associated with 'Gonzo Journalism,' a highly subjective and participatory style of reporting that he extensively utilized in his contributions to Rolling Stone.
Identify the individual appointed as Rolling Stone's chief photographer in 1973.
Answer: Annie Leibovitz
Explanation: Annie Leibovitz was appointed as Rolling Stone's chief photographer in 1973.
Identify the journalists credited with restoring Rolling Stone's relevance in the late 2000s.
Answer: Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi
Explanation: Journalists Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi played a pivotal role in re-establishing Rolling Stone's prominence and reader engagement in the late 2000s through their impactful investigative reporting.
Identify the basis for the film 'Almost Famous' in relation to Rolling Stone.
Answer: A teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone.
Explanation: The film 'Almost Famous' draws its narrative inspiration from the real-life experiences of Cameron Crowe, who, as a young journalist, covered bands for Rolling Stone in the early 1970s. The film centers on a fictionalized account of a teenage journalist's journey with a rock band.
The relocation of Rolling Stone's headquarters to New York City in 1977 was precipitated by San Francisco's perceived cultural decline.
Answer: True
Explanation: Editor Jann Wenner cited San Francisco's status as a 'cultural backwater' as a primary reason for moving the magazine's operations to New York.
The Rolling Stone restaurant chain achieved sustained success over several years prior to its eventual closure.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rolling Stone restaurant, which opened around 2010-2011, faced financial difficulties and closed in February 2013, indicating a lack of sustained success.
Penske Media Corporation obtained complete ownership of Rolling Stone in early 2019.
Answer: True
Explanation: Penske Media Corporation finalized its acquisition of full ownership of Rolling Stone in January 2019.
The relocation of Rolling Stone to New York City in 1977 coincided with an increased emphasis on celebrity coverage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The move to New York in 1977 was accompanied by a broadening of the magazine's content to include more celebrity profiles and entertainment news.
Articulate the primary rationale behind Jann Wenner's decision to relocate Rolling Stone's headquarters to New York City.
Answer: Because San Francisco had become 'a cultural backwater'.
Explanation: Editor Jann Wenner relocated Rolling Stone's headquarters to New York City in 1977, citing San Francisco's perceived decline as a 'cultural backwater' and signaling a strategic shift in the magazine's operational focus.
Describe the operational trajectory of the Rolling Stone restaurant that commenced operations circa 2010-2011.
Answer: It closed down in February 2013.
Explanation: Rolling Stone's venture into the restaurant industry, with plans for a chain beginning in Hollywood around 2010, proved unsuccessful. The first establishment, opened in late 2010 or early 2011, ceased operations in February 2013.
Ascertain the specific date when Penske Media Corporation achieved complete ownership of Rolling Stone magazine.
Answer: January 2019
Explanation: Penske Media Corporation achieved full ownership of Rolling Stone magazine in January 2019, following an initial acquisition of a majority stake in December 2017 and finalizing the purchase of the remaining stake.
The July 2018 issue of Rolling Stone signified a return to a monthly publication frequency and an enlarged print format.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beginning with the July 2018 issue, Rolling Stone resumed monthly publication and adopted a larger print dimension.
The cover of Rolling Stone's 1000th issue in May 2006 presented a simple black and white photograph.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1000th issue cover in May 2006 featured a complex 3-D hologram, not a simple black and white photograph.
Glixel, a publication focused on video games, was integrated into Variety following Penske Media's acquisition of Rolling Stone.
Answer: False
Explanation: Glixel was closed by Rolling Stone in June 2017; while its content was later merged into Variety, the initial premise of a successful merger into Variety immediately after Penske's acquisition is misleading.
As of June 2023, the total circulation of Rolling Stone magazine surpassed 500,000 copies.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of June 2023, Rolling Stone's reported total circulation was 423,377 copies.
In April 2010, the magazine's website introduced complete archives, initially accessible via a paid subscription model.
Answer: True
Explanation: The April 2010 redesign of the Rolling Stone website incorporated the complete archives of the magazine, initially offered as a paid feature before transitioning to a model integrated with subscriptions.
Rolling Stone adopted a standard 8x11 inch format in 2008, subsequently reverting to a larger print dimension in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: The magazine transitioned to a smaller format in 2008 and returned to its larger format in 2018.
Detail the modification to Rolling Stone's publication schedule implemented with the July 2018 issue.
Answer: It returned to being published monthly.
Explanation: The July 2018 issue marked Rolling Stone's return to a monthly publication schedule.
Define Glixel, an online publication launched by Wenner Media in May 2016.
Answer: An online publication dedicated to video games.
Explanation: Glixel was an online publication established by Wenner Media in May 2016, focusing on video games and related culture.
Detail the significant modification to Rolling Stone's print format introduced with the July 2018 issue.
Answer: It returned to the larger 10 x 12 inch size.
Explanation: The July 2018 issue marked Rolling Stone's return to its larger, traditional print format (10x12 inches).
Matt Taibbi's reporting in 2009 famously characterized Goldman Sachs as a 'vampire squid'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Matt Taibbi's critical analysis of the financial crisis included the memorable and widely cited description of Goldman Sachs as 'a great vampire squid'.
The publication of the 'Runaway General' article resulted in the resignation of Vice President Joe Biden.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Runaway General' article, published in Rolling Stone, led to the resignation of General Stanley A. McChrystal, not Vice President Joe Biden.
The 2003 article titled 'Bug Chasers' provided an accurate report stating that homosexual individuals intentionally seeking HIV constituted 25% of new cases.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The article claimed this statistic, but the physicians cited within it later denied making such statements, leading to significant controversy regarding the report's factual accuracy.
The August 2013 cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev garnered widespread acclaim and was available in all major retail outlets.
Answer: False
Explanation: The August 2013 cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, drew considerable criticism and led several major retailers to refuse to sell the issue.
The investigation into the UVA 'A Rape on Campus' story concluded that Rolling Stone's reporting contained no significant errors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Investigations, including one by the Columbia School of Journalism, revealed substantial journalistic failures and systemic issues within Rolling Stone's reporting of the UVA incident.
A jury determined that Rolling Stone was not liable in the defamation lawsuit initiated by Nicole Eramo.
Answer: False
Explanation: A jury found Rolling Stone liable for defamation in the lawsuit filed by Nicole Eramo.
Following hospital confirmation, Rolling Stone issued a retraction of its September 2021 article concerning ivermectin overdoses in Oklahoma.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rolling Stone added an editor's note retracting the central claim of its September 2021 article about ivermectin overdoses after subsequent reporting indicated inaccuracies.
Rolling Stone's reporting on the James Gordon Meek case was lauded for its transparency.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rolling Stone's reporting on the James Gordon Meek case drew criticism for omitting key details regarding the investigation's basis, leading to questions about transparency.
The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity initiated a lawsuit against Rolling Stone seeking $25 million in damages related to the UVA rape story.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity filed a $25 million lawsuit against Rolling Stone concerning the controversial UVA rape story.
The investigation conducted by the Columbia School of Journalism concluded that the UVA rape story published by Rolling Stone was accurate.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Columbia School of Journalism's investigation found significant journalistic failures and errors in the reporting of the UVA rape story.
Matt Taibbi's 2009 investigative reporting on the financial crisis is notably recognized for its description of Goldman Sachs as:
Answer: 'A great vampire squid'
Explanation: Matt Taibbi's 2009 reporting famously characterized Goldman Sachs as 'a great vampire squid'.
The controversy surrounding General Stanley A. McChrystal originated from a Rolling Stone article that addressed:
Answer: Criticism of Vice President Joe Biden.
Explanation: The controversy stemmed from a Rolling Stone article that quoted General Stanley A. McChrystal making critical remarks about Vice President Joe Biden and other administration figures.
What was the consequence of the August 2013 Rolling Stone cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing?
Answer: Several major retailers refusing to sell the issue.
Explanation: The August 2013 cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev drew significant criticism, leading several major retailers to refuse to stock the issue.
What were the findings of the Columbia School of Journalism's investigation into the UVA 'A Rape on Campus' story?
Answer: Journalistic failure and institutional problems at the magazine.
Explanation: The Columbia School of Journalism's investigation revealed significant journalistic failures and institutional problems within Rolling Stone's reporting practices concerning the UVA incident.
For which legal finding was Nicole Eramo awarded $3 million following a jury's verdict against Rolling Stone?
Answer: Defamation
Explanation: Nicole Eramo was awarded $3 million after a jury found Rolling Stone liable for defamation.
Describe the resolution of the lawsuit initiated by the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity against Rolling Stone.
Answer: 1.65 million
Explanation: The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity filed a $25 million lawsuit against Rolling Stone, alleging defamation and infliction of emotional distress. The matter was ultimately settled out of court, with Rolling Stone agreeing to pay $1.65 million.
Rolling Stone Australia was the inaugural international edition of the magazine.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rolling Stone Australia commenced publication in 1969, marking the first international expansion of the magazine.
Rolling Stone Philippines commenced publication prior to the launch of Rolling Stone Australia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rolling Stone Australia was launched in 1969, predating the launch of Rolling Stone Philippines.
The Russian edition of Rolling Stone ceased its publication activities in the year 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Russian edition of Rolling Stone concluded its publication run in 2022.
The Chinese edition of Rolling Stone maintained continuous publication from 2005 through 2022.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Chinese edition had periods of publication and cessation, with its final closure occurring in 2022, not a continuous run from 2005.
Identify the nation that hosted the inaugural international edition of Rolling Stone magazine.
Answer: Australia
Explanation: Australia hosted the first international edition of Rolling Stone magazine.