• by Erik Sass , January 29, 2009

Conde Nast Shuffles Digital Division

After announcing the demise of CondeNet, the previous incarnation of its digital division, Conde Nast this week introduced a new organization of its magazine Web sites and destination sites, like Epicurious.com, Style.com, and Concierge.com. The new unit, Conde Nast Digital, will consolidate these online properties under one editorial and sales management team. This decision effectively reverses the company's move two years ago to have CondeNet focus on the content destination sites, leaving magazine editors responsible for the Web sites.

Although Conde Nast says the reorganization is not about cutting costs, it follows several retreats on the digital front, including the closing of Flip.com, a social network. It also comes in the midst of a series of deep, wide-ranging cutbacks prompted by the economic downturn. Earlier this week, Conde Nast closed Domino, a 3-year-old shelter title that fell prey to the contraction in the real estate market, and in November, it closed Men's Vogue. There have been reports of layoffs, but no word how many positions were affected. In 2008, Conde Nast's total ad pages fell 13.3% compared to 2007, according to the Group Publisher's Report from TNS Media Intelligence.

Conde Nast follows other magazine publishers that have combined their print and online business operations. After years as separate divisions, in November Forbes said it was merging the print magazine and Forbes.com; at the time, Steve Forbes explained in a memo that the move would allow the company to "move nimbly and swiftly to respond to our clients and marketers in the way they want to do business."

PGA Promotes, Hires Sales Execs

The Publishing Group of America, which produces newspaper-distributed magazines including American Profile, Relish and Spry, announced a number of executive hires and promotions this week. Amy Chernoff has been named senior vice president and group publisher for all PGA titles; most recently, she served as vice president and publisher of American Profile and director of corporate sales. Chernoff will lead a group of associate publishers working with PGA's three main titles: Linda Rich was promoted to associate publisher, direct response; Shannon Hay was promoted to East Coast associate publisher; Erica Schultz was promoted to Midwest associate publisher; and Frank Zier was promoted to Nashville and West Coast associate publisher.

The position of associate publisher is a new one for PGA. On the hiring front, PGA named Michele Belier director of research marketing, another new position; she previously worked as vice president and group print director for Zenith Media. Finally, Julia Light has been hired as marketing services director for PGA; she previously served as vice president and marketing services director for Playboy.

RDA Cuts 8% of Workforce

Feeling the effects of the recession, the Reader's Digest Association is cutting 8% of its workforce, or about 280 people out of a worldwide team of 3,500. The company is also suspending 401(k) contributions and requiring employees to take five days unpaid leave in 2009 and 2010.

NGS Launches Music Label

Nat Geo Music, the music division of the National Geographic Society, is launching a music label that will record, release and promote modern music from around the world. The Nat Geo Music label is headed by General Manager Matt Whittington, formerly label manager for ESL Music/Thievery Corporation. The label will be distributed globally through various partnerships. Marketing, radio promotion, press and logistical support will be provided by World's Fair Label Group.

Nat Geo Promotes Execs

The National Geographic Magazine Group has promoted Bryan Kinkade to the post of advertising director for National Geographic Adventure magazine, and Jeff Nicholson to advertising director of National Geographic Kids magazine. Kinkade was previously director of travel and tourism for National Geographic Adventure; Nicholson was previously East Coast account manager for the same magazine.

Seibert Named President of SmartMoney

Andrew Seibert has been named to the newly created role of president of SmartMoney magazine. Seibert will continue as vice president and publisher of SmartMoney's Custom Solutions, its custom-publishing operation. Seibert will be responsible for circulation, advertising and marketing operations at the print magazine and for SmartMoney.com.