RBI U.S. Trades Up for Sale; Tad Smith Out

We have to contend with a far harsher advertising environment than any of us have experienced before and, in such a climate, we have to focus not just on innovation and efficiency, but also on ensuring that our portfolio is well-matched with our long-term ambitions."

Longtime editor Peter Bart was moved aside in April and Tim Gray promoted to run the Variety newsroom. Publisher Neil Stiles, who is considered close to RBI chief Jones, will remain in place.

In April, Stiles said the trade would be looking to start charging for online content, but thus far no such plan has been implemented.

Variety has gone through successive staff reductions over the past six months, including about 30 staffers in January, and another set of reductions in April that reduced the headcount by seven percent.

At the time, Smith attributed the cutbacks to the fact that “our quarterly forecast for the full year and the revenue outlook [that] continues to concern us.” According to Smith, Reed’s financial projections are “worse than our already conservative expectations for 2009.”

Stiles has had reporters meeting with sources to see what kind of content the trade can produce for which the trade might charge fees.

RELATED:  Media Alley: Troubled Owner Says It Will Keep 'Variety'

PREVIOUSLY: Variety Struggles to Meet the Future

Bloodbath at Variety: Hammond, Thompson Let Go

Neil Stiles, What's the Plan?

The Hollywood Reporter Cuts More Staff

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Here is the full list of properties RBI has just placed up for sale: 

* Broadcasting & Cable
* Building Design+Construction
* Casual Living
* Chain Leader
* Construction Equipment
* Consulting Specifying Engineer
* Control Engineering
* Converting
* Custom Builder
* Design News
* DM2
* EDN
* Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
* Furniture/Today
* Gifts & Decorative Accessories
* Graphic Arts Monthly
* Graphic Arts Blue Book
* Home Accents Today
* Home Textiles Today
* Housing Giants
* Hotels
* Industrial Distribution
* In-Stat
* Interior Design
* Kids Today
* Library Journal
* Logistics Management
* Manufacturing Business Technology
* Modern Materials Handling
* Multichannel News
* Plant Engineering
* Playthings
* Purchasing
* Packaging Digest
* Professional Builder
* Professional Remodeler
* Publishers Weekly
* Restaurants & Institutions
* School Library Journal
* Semiconductor International
* Spec Check
* Supply Chain Management Review
* Test & Measurement World
* Tradeshow Week
* TRACOM
* TWICE
* Video Business
* related international editions and online products

Properties to be retained are:

Reed Construction Data (http://www.reedconstructiondata.com) is a leading North American provider of construction information through a diverse portfolio of innovative products and services.

RSMeans (http://www.rsmeans.com) is North America’s leading source of construction cost information.

Variety (http://www.variety.com) is the leading publication for entertainment news, recognized and respected throughout the world of show business.

MarketCast (https://www.marketcastonline.com) is a leading research firm servicing the global entertainment industry.

LA411 (http://www.la411.com/) is the most trusted and widely used entertainment production resource in Southern California.

BuyerZone (http://www.buyerzone.com) is the leading online marketplace for buyers and sellers of business products, services and equipment in the United States.

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