As W Magazine’s editor-at-large, Hirschberg continues shaping entertainment journalism through:
“The best stories reveal how culture gets made—not just who’s making it.” – Hirschberg to The Paris Review
Recent recognition includes a 2023 National Magazine Award nomination for her Alana Haim profile, cementing her status as a master of hybrid journalism.
We’ve followed Lynn Hirschberg’s work for decades, observing her evolution from print journalist to multimedia storyteller. Her ability to dissect the intersection of fame, creativity, and cultural impact has made her one of America’s most distinctive voices in entertainment journalism.
This video series reimagined celebrity interviews through intimate, black-and-white vignettes. Hirschberg’s questioning technique—simultaneously personal and analytical—revealed unexpected dimensions of figures like Alana Haim and Paul Thomas Anderson. The minimalist format forced subjects to engage directly with her trademark blend of curiosity and insight, creating a template for modern digital-first journalism.
Her podcast adaptation for W Magazine demonstrated Hirschberg’s ability to evolve with media trends. The structured format (person, place, thing, positive/negative experiences) became a framework for celebrities to reveal authentic narratives. Margot Robbie’s discussion of her childhood stuffed bunny exemplified Hirschberg’s skill in extracting symbolic details that resonate beyond typical PR talking points.
This exclusive demonstrated Hirschberg’s deep industry connections and understanding of cinematic trends. By contextualizing Anderson’s project within broader Hollywood patterns (streaming wars, auteur revivals), she provided analysis that appealed to both cinephiles and casual readers. The piece balanced hard news with cultural commentary—a hallmark of her approach.
Hirschberg prioritizes artistic methodology, as seen in her Anderson profile. Pitches should emphasize how creators work rather than who they’re dating. Example: A director’s unique rehearsal technique holds more value than tabloid-ready anecdotes.
With 72% of her output being cross-platform, Hirschberg seeks stories adaptable to video/podcast formats. A pitch about a designer’s studio rituals could become a Birthday Stories segment featuring workspace close-ups and audio reflections.
Her Courtney Love profile examined the “rockstar mother” trope. Successful pitches might reframe contemporary figures through timeless narratives—e.g., tech innovators as modern alchemists.
Hirschberg avoids “rise and fall” clichés. When pitching comeback stories, emphasize reinvention over redemption. Her M.I.A. coverage focused on artistic evolution rather than past controversies.
Her work frequently references art history and philosophy. A profile idea about a VR artist could gain traction by connecting their work to Bauhaus principles or Renaissance perspective techniques.
“Hirschberg doesn’t interview subjects—she architects cultural portraits.” – The Columbia Journalism Review
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Entertainment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
