After 183 years of anonymous bylines, The Economist is breaking tradition by putting its writers and editors on camera through a new video initiative called Economist Play. The British publication, known for its serious policy journalism, will launch shows, interviews and policy debates hosted by correspondents from its London and New York studios.

The video content will be available as a separate product in The Economist's mobile app for $15 per month, complementing the magazine's 1.3 million subscribers. This strategic move comes as media organizations compete for attention on digital platforms, with editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes emphasizing the "artisanal, human-crafted" aspects of journalism.

The magazine is also experiencing leadership transition as editor-in-chief Minton Beddoes plans to step down after more than a decade. Additionally, Lynn Forester de Rothschild sold her family's 26.9% stake to Canadian billionaire Stephen Smith for an undisclosed sum, changing the publication's ownership structure while it navigates the digital media landscape.