L Magazine

The L Magazine is a free bi-weekly magazine in New York City featuring investigative articles, arts and culture commentary, and event listings. It is available through distribution in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Hoboken.

History

The L Magazine was created in 2003 by brothers Scott and Daniel Stedman and editor Jonny Diamond in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

The Boxing Match

The L's launch coincided with that of New York Sports Express, an offshoot of New York Press. The distribution boxes used by Express and The L looked very similar; both were bright orange, and they were the same shape and color.

While most likely a coincidence,Express editor-in-chief Jeff Koyen decided to print a series of barbs against Scott Stedman, The L's publisher. Stedman responded with a full-sized ad in The L challenging Koyen to a boxing match. On October 25, Koyen and Stedman boxed at Gleason's Gym in Dumbo, Brooklyn to settle the score. The match ended in a draw, and no re-match was re-scheduled. The boxing match was re-created on the TV show Bored to Death. Jonathan Ames claims in his blog that the season finale was based on this match.