Will Hearst
Will Hearst is the editor and publisher of Alta Journal, which he founded in 2017. He is the board chair of Hearst, one of the nation’s largest diversified media and information companies. Hearst is a grandson of company founder William Randolph Hearst.
Publisher’s Note: Building a Culture of Art
Art is a calling with the potential to sustain our culture, Will Hearst writes. That’s why we dedicated our new issue to art and architecture.
Alta Q&A: ‘I’m Interested in Delivering’
Frank Gehry is renowned for a design language that is instantly recognizable yet deeply thoughtful and rooted in both art and architecture. The Californian reflects on defying convention and why he’s still working at 96.
Publisher’s Note: An Issue Dedicated to Road Trips
Alta Journal ’s Will Hearst kicks off our Issue 32 with a collection of quotes from the road.
Kevin Starr’s Vision
Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst on the college school lecture that ultimately inspired the mission of this magazine.
Publisher’s Note: A New Baseline
Alta Journal’s Will Hearst on challenging our perceptions of place—and past.
Publisher’s Note: Culture of Creativity
Inspired by history’s inventive thinkers, Alta Journal’s Will Hearst finds inspiration for the magazine’s mission.
Slouching Towards a Mission Statement
In his publisher’s note for Issue 26, Will Hearst revisits his mission in founding Alta Journal.
A Trail of Discovery and Destruction
From New Mexico to Utah to Japan, here are some places to visit and consider the legacy of Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project.
A Primer on the Manhattan Project
Four books that capture the drama and struggles of Robert Oppenheimer and the building of the first atomic bomb.
An Oppenheimer Watchlist
The arc of Robert Oppenheimer’s life and the race to develop the first nuclear weapon continue to fascinate filmmakers—and audiences.
Publisher’s Note: What the Manhattan Project Teaches Us
Will Hearst previews Issue 24’s cover story, reveals the Oppenheimer method used at Alta Journal, and finds a family connection to the atomic bomb.
Terry McDonell’s California Trilogy
McDonell’s writings about the West in three distinct books constitute a virtual trilogy.
The California Gaze
Together with his novel and earlier memoir, Terry McDonell’s Irma defines a uniquely West Coast perspective, one of perpetual curiosity and self-discovery.
Publisher’s Note: The Call of the Desert
Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst reflects on the romantic desert—and the one that lies in our future.
Marion Davies on Her Own Terms
A new biography of the famous actress reveals her to be far more than the mistress of William Randolph Hearst.
Living Treasures of the American West
Alta Journal publisher Will Hearst finds high art in fine crafts.
They Build Rockets Here
Astra aims to be a courier service for space, offering daily launches and delivering small payloads to orbit.
The Promise of a New Space Age
Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst asks for your help in seeking out the best independent bookstores in the West.
Audience Is the Future
In his quarterly letter to the readers of Alta Journal, editor and publisher Will Hearst shares his excitement for the ways in which creative individuals are transforming how we consume information.
The Poet as a Storyteller
Alta Journal publisher Will Hearst shares his personal memories of Jim Harrison.
She Helped Him ‘Do Life’
For more than 35 years, Joyce Harrington Bahle was Jim Harrison’s typist, trusted friend, and fierce protector. Today, she safeguards his legacy and his estate.
Hidden in Plain Sight
The West is full of secret places with secret histories. Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst and wilderness-loving futurist Paul Saffo share their favorites.
The End of Hibernation
In his quarterly publisher’s note, Will Hearst envisions a summer of exploration to find the places that feel like home.
Imagine a Wilder Future
In his quarterly note to Alta’s readers, publisher Will Hearst charts a course for the next West.
Art, Beauty, and Passion
In his quarterly publisher’s note, Will Hearst explains the origin of Alta’s high standards—and our plan to keep your mind moving.
Postcards from the Future
Kevin Kelly had a hand in creating the WELL, Wired, the Long Now clock, and other visionary projects. His new idea: one million people working together in real time. What they might accomplish is anyone’s guess, but it promises to be awesome.
Look Past First Impressions
Will Hearst wraps up the mystery and ties together the loose ends—just like every good noir story—in his quarterly publisher’s note.
Extraordinary Voyages
Alta publisher Will Hearst considers science fiction as an ancient discipline and a genre of storytelling.
The Science of Publishing
Alta publisher Will Hearst proposes a new way of thinking about the content we deliver our readers—right down to the advertisements that appear in our magazine.
London’s Newest Queen
A recent London transplant, Tales of the City writer Armistead Maupin tells Will Hearst why he left his beloved San Francisco, what his next big book might be, and how much he likes his new surroundings (spoiler: a lot).
Talking with David Talbot
The author of Between Heaven and Hell discusses his stroke, his recovery, and what it means to restart his life.
