Texas Monthly Hired Founding Editor William Broyles Jr.
The veteran journalist and screenwriter has returned to the Texas magazine in the role of editor at large.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
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Texas Monthly has hired William Broyles Jr. as editor at large, marking a return for the magazine's founding editor. Broyles will focus on reporting and writing original features while mentoring current magazine staffers.
Why it matters
Bringing Broyles back reunites the magazine with its original editorial vision as the publication continues its 53-year history. His diverse background in print media and screenwriting provides the team with significant industry experience.
Texas Monthly has operated for 53 years since its debut in February 1973. Broyles previously helped the magazine secure a National Magazine Award just one year after its launch.
The players
William Broyles Jr.
He is the founding editor of Texas Monthly who has also served as editor in chief of Newsweek and as a successful Hollywood screenwriter.
Texas Monthly
This is a long-standing magazine based in Texas that has been in operation for over five decades.
Stephen Harrigan
He is a writer who collaborated with William Broyles Jr. on a serialized novel for the publication.
The details
Broyles, who originally joined the publication in 1972, brings an extensive career that includes serving as editor in chief at Newsweek and co-creating the 1988 television show China Beach. He also cowrote the film Apollo 13 and recently collaborated with Stephen Harrigan on a serialized novel for the magazine's website in 2025.
Timeline
William Broyles Jr. joined Texas Monthly in 1972.
The debut issue of Texas Monthly was released in February 1973.
Broyles co-created the television show China Beach in 1988.
A serialized novel by Broyles and Stephen Harrigan was published in 2025.
Texas Monthly Press is scheduled to publish a novel in fall 2027.
Market Landscape
The hiring of Broyles connects the modern publication to the 1973 launch of Texas Monthly, reinforcing the brand's long-term legacy in regional journalism. This strategic move leverages historical editorial expertise to distinguish the magazine in a competitive media market.
Readers can expect to see new feature content and reporting from the magazine as Broyles begins his role as editor at large. The collaboration also signals future literary output, with a new novel from Broyles and Harrigan expected in fall 2027.
The takeaway
The return of a foundational figure suggests a focus on the magazine's heritage as it navigates future editorial challenges. Readers may look forward to updated long-form features that align with the classic style established at the magazine's founding.
Further reading
For more information on the publication's leadership, visit our section on Texas People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texas Monthly.
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