Publisher Hearst Netherlands is going to reorganize again. Several sources confirm to BNR that discussions are being held about various titles. For example, for Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World and Bicycling, a party is being sought that will take over the license to publish the titles in the Netherlands. This will take until the autumn, Hearst Netherlands confirms to BNR.
According to one of the sources, the four titles have been running with minimal staff since this week. In total, several dozen people have now lost their jobs.
Also read | Hearst Netherlands: ‘Quote and Quest will have a paywall’
Statement
“Hearst has made the strategic decision to look for a licensing partner for the sports brands, which are Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World and Bicycling,” said Job Bohnen, spokesperson for Hearst Netherlands in a statement to BNR.
“We believe these strong and trusted brands – which are an integral part of Hearst’s global portfolio – can build on a solid foundation. With the search for a licensing partner, we aim to accelerate both innovation and growth. Naturally, the aim is to continue to optimally serve the loyal readership of these brands.’ Bohnen does not want to respond to questions from BNR. Most employees of the magazines involved were informed this week.
Also listen | Marscha Krouwel (Hearst Netherlands): ‘When I took office I immediately saw the need for reorganization’
Matthijs Valent, Secretary Online Media & Magazines of the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) confirms that there is ‘new unrest’ at the publisher. Hearst Netherlands previously decided to say goodbye to titles such as Esquire, Vogue and Glamour.
‘Out of trouble’
In an earlier conversation with BNR, Marscha Krouwel, CEO of Hearst Netherlands, said that the publishing house was ‘out of trouble’ after the reorganization two years ago. Hearst Netherlands, part of the American media conglomerate Hearst Corporation, has been looking for new revenue models for some time. In part as a result of changes in consumer behavior, needs of advertisers and media consumption.
Also read | Hearst Netherlands is restructuring, Esquire is disappearing
Tags: Hearst reorganizing future titles
