The Financial Times published today a rare interview with Cathleen Black, president of Hearst Magazines. Black is the woman who could decide the fate of Harper's Bazaar and its editor, Glenda Bailey.

Most of the conversation was dedicated to the success of O and the contrast between this magazine and other celebrity-based mags, like Rosie and Martha Stewart. Black speaks also about Cosmo, Good Housekeeping and Marie Claire.

I find it strange that although one of her top-editors is in the middle of a buzz campaign about her imminent desmise, Black wouldn't say something that could be interpreted as a backing of Glenda Bailey. Or at least she could say something neutral, like "it's only her first year" etc.

In fact, she gives the interviewer some of the 2002's numbers, which translated in the FT as the following cryptic paragraph:

i>There were increases at 14 of its titles including Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Redbook and House Beautiful, with industry peers noting a particular upturn in luxury goods advertising. Harper’s Bazaar, the fashion title, remains the noticeable under-performer, however.

If I was Glenda Bailey, i would be worried.