Three trade publications that have collectively covered the business of media and entertainment for decades will stop publishing in October.
The move will impact the print publications, websites and staff at Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and Next TV, owned by British media conglomerate Future Plc., according to a statement posted online Tuesday.
The websites associated with Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News will stop publishing updates on September 30, which will coincide with the ending of their respective print publications. Newsletters associated with both brands will also end, the company affirmed.
The website of Next TV will relaunch as a single portal that consolidates reporting from all three brands, and Next TV’s curated newsletter called “SmartBrief” will serve as the central point of reference for Future’s industry news moving forward, the company said.
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As part of the consolidation and relaunches, an unspecified number of employees at Future will be laid off, according to a person familiar with the strategy who spoke with The Desk on condition of anonymity. The changes come about two months after long-time Broadcasting & Cable content director Kent Gibbons retired, with Michael Malone succeeding in his place.
The changes are intended to help Future focus on “high-impact, sustainable initiatives” within its business-to-business products, according to a statement released this week.
“This industry is going through rapid transformation that requires our business to adapt,” Amanda Darman-Allen, the Senior Vice President of Future’s Business-to-Business sector, said on Tuesday. “By focusing our efforts on impactful in-person events and a unified newsletter, we believe we will maintain our role as a key connector and influencer.”
The annual “Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame” event, which is a significant financial driver for Future, will continue on for the foreseeable future, with Charlie Weiss of Weiss Entertainment & Media Consulting being hired to serve as the event chairman in 2025. Future earns revenue from ticket sales for the event, as well as advertising purchased by companies whose executives and products are honored at the show.
“The B+C Hall of Fame is a perfect example of the kind of high-caliber event that aligns with our strategy, and we are proud to continue our support for this important celebration,” Darman-Allen said.
