Billboard Editor Bill Werde is fond of saying, "I'm on the
crossroads of two of the most challenged industries in the world: music
and publishing. But I still like the view". Unfortunately, his view may be a bit cloudier today.
Several Nielson publications including Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Brandweek and Mediaweek are set to be sold to James Finkelstein’s News Communications, owner of the “Who’s Who” publications and the D.C. based The Hill, according to Sharon Waxman at The Wrap.
Several of the titles have been quietly for sale for months. It's a tough time for all ad supported publications;
particularly trade journals dependent on businesses whose ad budgets are often the first items slashed. Reports have Billboard "doing so-so" which could be viewed as a triumph in an industry that has experienced as much of a downturn as music.
What Finkelsteins plans for Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter is unclear. But cuts often follow purchase as new owners seek to finance and monetize their acquisitions.
