Variety

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 9:43am on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Variety Is, Indeed, Up For Sale

The Wrap reported on January 12, 2010:

"Variety is up for sale after all, according to several people with knowledge of the dealings.

Owner Reed Business Information -- which insisted as recently as July that it was not putting its top title on the block -- has been quietly dangling Variety before potential buyers for some time, according to at least five individuals. They include former and current RBI employees and people in the mergers and acquisitions community familiar with RBI's thinking.

RBI's British/Dutch parent, Reed Elsevier, is under pressure to sell its magazines to get out from under a huge debt load. But when RBI announced in July that it would sell off its magazines piece-by-piece, it said it was planning to keep Variety, its crown jewel.

Reed Elsevier has since changed CEOs. Ian Smith left the company in November after just eight months in the position, and was replaced by Erik Engstrom.

It’s not clear how long Variety has been available."

The full story:
http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/sources-variety-for-sale-12811

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 10:14am on Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Chris Krewson Named Editor Of Variety.com

Variety reported on January 6, 2010:

"Krewson, currently executive online editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer, will report to Variety group editor Tim Gray.

"We considered a lot of great people, but Chris was everybody's favorite. With his innovative ideas, as well as his people skills, Chris will be a major asset as our website expands and improves. And since readers have indicated they want information in both print and online, Chris will be able to help us coordinate and differentiate the two media since he has a strong background in both," Gray said."

The full story:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013402.html

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 11:25am on Monday, December 21st, 2009

Networks Exploring Rival Awards Show Alternative To Emmys, Variety reported on December 20, 2009:

"Sony Pictures Television prexy Steve Mosko is leading the effort, contacting network officials about potentially partnering with the Paley Center for the kudocast, according to sources.

Mosko previously served in the voluntary role as president of the TV Academy's foundation but resigned two years ago. He declined to comment about the proposed Paley venture.

A Paley rep, meanwhile, confirmed the org is looking into producing a spesh honoring TV programs ­ -- but dismissed talk that it would serve as a rival to the Emmys."

The full story:
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=awardcentral&jump=emmys09&articleid=VR1118012997&cs=1

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 9:18am on Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Variety Erects Online Paywall, the Huffington Post reported on December 9, 2009:

"Variety plans to shut off free access gradually, asking one in 10 visitors for a user name and password that will be sent to paying subscribers.

After about two months, the newspaper plans to block free access – except for five free page views a month – ending an experiment with entirely free online content that Variety began in October 2006.

"We fundamentally believe that the readers should pay one price and get all or any of our content," said Neil Stiles, president of Variety Group. "If you don't pay, you don't get anything."

The full story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/09/variety-paywall-to-go-up-_n_386625.html