Forbes stands as one of the most recognizable business publications in the world, its name synonymous with executive compensation lists, billionaire rankings, and sharp financial commentary. Understanding the origins of this media institution requires looking back to its founding principles and the individuals who first envisioned its distinctive voice. The story of who created Forbes is not just about a magazine launch, but about establishing a specific perspective on capitalism and influence that continues to define its brand today.
The Visionaries Behind the Byline
The creation of Forbes is directly attributed to two men: B. C. Forbes and Walter Drey. B. C. Forbes, a financial columnist and author, possessed the financial expertise and industry insight, while Walter Drey, a Wall Street lawyer, provided the necessary business acumen and legal structure. Their partnership in 1917 resulted in the launch of a publication that would outlast countless other business magazines of its era.
B. C. Forbes: The Editorial Architect
Bernard Cornelius Forbes, the "B. C." in the masthead, was the driving editorial force. He believed in celebrating business success and promoting a positive outlook on capitalism, a stark contrast to the often dour financial news of the time. His philosophy centered on profiling the captains of industry, detailing their methods, and highlighting the opportunities within the American economic system, which became the magazine's foundational pillar.
Walter Drey: The Strategic Partner
Walter Drey’s role was crucial in transforming Forbes's vision into a sustainable reality. As a lawyer with significant Wall Street experience, he handled the financial structuring, legal complexities, and initial fundraising required to launch the magazine. This partnership combined Forbes's journalistic passion with Drey's pragmatic business sense, creating a stable foundation for what would become a global media empire.
Evolution and Expansion Following its creation, Forbes rapidly expanded its scope beyond the original magazine. The publication quickly adopted a distinctive red and white masthead design and a tone that blended serious financial analysis with accessible storytelling. Under the leadership of B. C. Forbes's sons, Bruce Charles Forbes and Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, the brand diversified into radio, television, and eventually digital media, ensuring its relevance across new platforms while maintaining its core identity. Measuring Influence and Legacy
Following its creation, Forbes rapidly expanded its scope beyond the original magazine. The publication quickly adopted a distinctive red and white masthead design and a tone that blended serious financial analysis with accessible storytelling. Under the leadership of B. C. Forbes's sons, Bruce Charles Forbes and Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, the brand diversified into radio, television, and eventually digital media, ensuring its relevance across new platforms while maintaining its core identity.
The impact of the founders is evident in the metrics and traditions that still define Forbes today. The annual ranking of the largest companies, the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans, and the global billionaires list are all direct descendants of B. C. Forbes's original mission to quantify and celebrate business achievement. These franchises remain central to the brand's authority and recognition worldwide.
The Modern Publication
Today, Forbes operates as a major multi-platform media company, with its digital properties attracting massive audiences. While the ownership has changed hands over the decades, the core mission established by its creators—to inform, analyze, and celebrate the world of business—remains central. The lineage from Walter Drey and B. C. Forbes to the current editorial team is a continuous thread connecting nearly a century of financial journalism.
