It's been a while since I reported a major loss to the electronics industry journalism ranks, but I got an email from Murray Slovick, Editorial Director of Electronic Products today. He caught the second wave of layoffs out the door from Hearst Business Publications.
Murray had been at Hearst since getting his leaving United Business Media where he ran the EE Times Product Center. He was one of the few guys left still interested in covering product announcements, which is going to put a world of hurt on some PR folks.
I've had no word on who else got the axe so I'm doing some digging.
I thought EP was doing ok. Dang, sorry to hear about Murray. I'm checking to find out who else is affected too.
Posted by: dark_faust | July 14, 2009 at 09:52 AM
A host of folks have been cut since last December... editors, production people, sales by 50% & admins. They even killed one of their top brands that was still in print and making money for them. Top management is now carrying bags in an attempt to bring in some dollars. This last round saw their one and only Marketing Manager cut loose... look for more staff to go... 1/4 of the staff is editors so only time will tell when those non revenue generating team members get paired down too...
Posted by: industry maven | July 14, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Hi Lou,
Sorry I missed this post earlier and commenting so late but nonetheless I felt it important to set the record straight. A few things;
1. It is tough times and although we appreicate all Murray has done for us we had to make a tough decision.
2. We are in fact doing ok but it would be less than truthful to say we haven't suffered this year. Every media company has and we are no exception.
3. Lou-please keep in mind it is Electronic Products, the entity that is and continues to be interested in covering products and we certainly will not leave any PR folks in a world of hurt. All our editors are still covering their beats and what few specific product coverages Murray did have are now covered accordingly.
4. dark-faust- not sure who you are or whom you are checking with but you can feel free to ask me. No other editors if that is what you are wondering.
5. industry maven- not sure who you are and where you get your info but you are way off base. However, you are correct in saying top management is carrying a bag. Always has and always will. We like to stay in touch with our customers.
Lou, as you know, I do appreciate your blog and all blogs for that matter. Unfortuately some folks use them for hidden agendas and hide behind pen names to disguise those agenda. Although no one from this blog post has made any attempt to contact me or anyone from my management staff about this,[ I checked ] I am certainly available and accessable to answer any questions you or anyone else has regarding Murray or any subject pertaining to us.
Take care
Bill
Posted by: Bill Barron | July 28, 2009 at 01:08 PM