chapter twenty-one “THAT’S HOW THEY GET YOU”

“MELTDOWN FOR AURAL EDITOR?” FROM KEITH J. KELLY’S MEDIA INK COLUMN, NEW YORK POST, MAY 4, 2016

The editor in chief of Aural magazine caused an embarrassing scene last week at a private memorial for legendary record producer Bob Hize, sources tell Media Ink.

S. Sunny Shelton, who was promoted to the top editor job with much fanfare last year, was said to be harassing mourners at the gathering, where Nev Charles made a surprise appearance to pay his respects. It’s unclear how Shelton wrangled her way inside, considering the gathering was closed to news media, but sources say that during Charles’s impromptu performance in tribute to Hize, Shelton pestered guests with increasingly aggressive and incoherent questions. She was eventually asked to leave the premises.

An insider at Aural tells Media Ink that Shelton has not responded well to the immense pressures she faces as editor in chief in a brutal climate for print. Year over year, Aural is down sharply in advertising revenue, and although digital traffic has seen some gains driven by a growing social media audience, they have not been enough to turn around the brand’s fortunes. Meanwhile Shelton’s choices as editor in chief, especially covers that have leaned more Solange than Springsteen, have prompted some on staff to question her judgment. “We just don’t know if her heart is here,” said one insider. “She seems more interested in a personal agenda. It’s disappointing.”

Calls to Shelton and Aural Media were not returned by press time.