Although she had no prior experience in publishing, in 1988 she used part of her $100 million divorce settlement from her TV producer husband to found a women's magazine that bears her name. Who is she?

In 1988, a new magazine hit the newsstands with a revolutionary concept: to cater specifically to women over 40, a demographic often ignored by mainstream media. Titled *Lear's*, it was the ambitious project of Frances Lear. Lacking any formal publishing experience, she launched the magazine using funds from her highly publicized divorce settlement. The settlement, estimated to be over $100 million, came from her 28-year marriage to Norman Lear, the legendary television producer behind iconic shows like *All in the Family* and *The Jeffersons*.

The magazine’s slogan, "For the woman who wasn't born yesterday," perfectly captured its mission. *Lear's* was celebrated for its intelligent articles on politics, business, and culture, avoiding the youth-obsessed content common in other women's publications. Frances Lear, a longtime feminist and political activist, poured her personal vision into creating a publication that reflected the complex lives and interests of mature women. She saw her audience not as fading, but as women entering the most powerful and interesting phase of their lives.

Despite its critical acclaim and loyal readership, *Lear's* struggled to secure enough advertising revenue to remain profitable. The very demographic it championed was one that advertisers were slow to embrace. After a celebrated six-year run, the magazine ceased publication in 1994. Nevertheless, it remains a landmark in publishing history for recognizing and celebrating an underserved audience, all made possible by one woman's bold vision and a record-breaking divorce settlement.