New York Magazine’s October 23 - November 5 “Power Issue” looks at the under-the-radar power brokers who shape the city. Writers and editors dug into the world of city politics, restaurants, tech, fashion, the law, nightlife, and more to unearth hundreds of names, and whittled them down to the most compelling 49 New Yorkers who get things done quietly, yet sometimes ferociously, in their respective fields.
“This magazine has a rich history of documenting power in New York City, and we were excited to re-introduce one of our earliest traditions: a power list. But we quickly realized that, coming out of the pandemic, the city’s usual cast of Olympian power brokers were just boring,” said features editor and author of the package’s opening essay, Nick Summers. “A list built of those bold-faced names wouldn’t have told you much about how the city is changing. Instead, we got fascinated by the power operators one level down. Focusing on people with hidden influence, and behind-the-throne types, seemed to be a much better X-ray of the systems that run New York. We ruled out everyone famous; nearly everyone whose title is CEO, or who was elected to office; definitely everyone who caught wind of the project and suggested themselves.”
The package includes David Freedlander on the Adams administration’s enforcer, Christopher Bonanos on the Broadway landlord propping up the industry, Shawn McCreesh on the Gray Lady’s Iron Lady, and Allison P. Davis on the dominatrix to whom the wealthy submit. Additionally, writer-at-large Rebecca Traister unpacks top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa’s forthcoming memoir, and examines DeRosa’s continuing campaign to discredit her former boss Andrew Cuomo’s enemies, starting with his accusers.
The Power Issue includes a portfolio by Mark Peterson, inspired by classic paparazzi photography in the vein of the late Ron Galella. New York director of photography Jody Quon wanted to catch the subjects in the context of their daily lives, and while some were aware they’d be photographed, none are posed.