How do you remake an 80-year old money-losing magazine?

Take a look at U.S. News & World Report.

From almost 80 years as the #3 newsweekly, with right-of-center politics, and slipping into losses 2006 to 2008.  Peak circulation was 2.5 million.

To today:  Just the rankings –

• Revenue over $40 million, several million in profit in 2012, and possibly $10 million in 2013.
• 20 million monthly unique visitors.
• 130 journalists, staffers and producers. There are an additional 40 or so employees on the business side.
• Revenue mix —
  • 20% from search for cars, hospitals, etc.
  • 30% online display advertising
  • 15% licensing the U.S. News “best of” badge
  • 35% from a hodgepodge of joint ventures, partnerships and digital products, including its Compass search engine that helps customers explore in detail a college or a hospital, an online store with e-books on the rankings, conferences such as the upcoming “Hospital of Tomorrow” conference.

Read more from the Washington Post.