Nikki Finke Seeks to Break From Penske Media
In the viciously competitive world of Hollywood trade publications, it was hardly a shock when one outlet recently mocked another for its “humiliating loss of readership and influence.”
In this case, though, there was a twist. Deadline.com, the source of the badmouthing, and Variety, the target of the put-down, are both owned by the same person: Jay Penske.
After Mr. Penske purchased Variety last year, Deadline founder and editor Nikki Finke became unhappy that he didn’t give her a role at the older and more famous competitor. She is now seeking to buy back control of her website, she says, or if that isn’t possible, start a new one.
