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Why in the world ex-Los Angeles Times’ errand boy Leo Wolinsky has been named editor of Daily Variety (both the LA and NY editions) is bewildering to say the least. 
The guy knows nothing about the entertainment biz. He was long considered a joke at the LA Times and infamous for secretly helping wrangle billionaire potential local backers like Eli Broad, Ron Burkle, Richard Riordan and David Geffen when then bigwig editors were fighting with Tribune Co. (Finke/LA Weekly: Baquet’s Billionaire Boys Club). He briefly sat atop the LA Times‘ entertainment and feature sections as a seat-filler until he was let go. Nevertheless, Wolinsky will be responsible for all Variety editorial content for the print edition. He will begin in January, reporting to Variety Group editor Tim Gray. I’m truly surprised at what a bad choice this is. Then again I don’t think like the trades, and for them a top editor who likes to suck up to the rich and powerful could be just the godsend Variety needs now that Peter Bart has been put out to pasture.
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.
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Ouch.
Well how long will there be a print edition anyway? A year? This functionary has probably been brought in to close the door and switch off the lights.
Variety probably thought a non-industry under-performer would be less resistant to killing the paper. Can you imagine someone who actually cares about the entertainment industry overseeing the demise of such an icon?!
They shoulda hired me instead of Leo. I have more knowledge of entertainment and work at McDonalds.
Wait…I thought the LA Times is a joke?
Nikki, the title of this post sums up precisely why I love you so . . .
Ouch is right; digital media age here we come. Additionally, why anyone is surprised that new hires, at any level in any sector of the media industry, have any capabilities within their new jobs is just silly. The best person for the job has not gotten the job in ages and if they do, it’s rare. This just goes to further solidify that business of most any kind is based on some kind bullshit reasoning that may not make much sense.
Well, the pace of the trades is gonna be rough after coming from the Times. That’s the first thing Leo’s gonna have to get used to.
I’m puzzled. Variety still has a print edition???
The fact that he is not from the business may mean he will (((“gasp”))) bring new ideas.
Wow- the problem at the Times was (is) not Leo. He is a professional that understands the changing/fragmented world of print. Most people I know that have worked with Leo respect him and would welcome the chance to see what he can do with Variety.
And to take the blame for it!
Let me guess – he’s going to be a seatfiller again. Doesn’t matter really; he’s just taking up another deck chair on the …
It’s an impossible job. They need someone young enough to know new media, yet old enough to have his or her finger up the pulse of the industry. This is a racket that communicates by rumor, and Variety abdicated its role as newspaper-of-record when Bart took it over. Now it’s just a life support system for “For Your Consideration” adverts. What they need to do — but never will — are investigative pieces and researched analysis, not eyewash, blogs, and stroking. Variety has some terrific, experienced, well-connected trade reporters. Let ‘em do their job.
maybe Variety will be a bit more brave now, and report more relevant inside news. Most of what it offers panders to the Corps and could be summed up in a monthly. Deadline is much more interesting anyway.
totally appropriate and fitting in an industry where people are constantly promoted beyond their skill set.
Look on the bright side–at least it’s not Joel Sappell.
Agreed.
Here’s a completely radical idea: why not give the guy a chance? All you poison pens need a new hobby.
I suggest y’all reserve judgment on Leo. He’s a good guy who got royally screwed by the Zell administration. And he is definitely not a tantrum-throwing wastebasket-kicker like Bart.
He says he’s going to be “breaking news.” This is going to be fun to watch.
Variety is still relevant?
Since this is Variety, why is a “know nothing” a departure?
Leo’s a douche, he’ll fit right in. Congrats to him, really, for worming his way to the top, keeping his power at that snakepit for a couple of decades and now landing a job for which he is wholly unqualified.
Re:
“…infamous for secretly helping wrangle billionaire potential local backers like Eli Broad, Ron Burkle, Richard Riordan and David Geffen”
Oh, you mean the kind of guys in your Rolodex that impress the out of town clowns who decide who to hire? As if they wouldn’t talk to anyone who had power and could be useful to them?
Here’s how it happens: insecure out of towners look at resume. Are impressed, since you bring the sheen of years at a “respectable” big media outlet. Doubly impressed by the paper’s Pulitzers, some of which you can probably claim to share in. Whoopee.
Despite claims of being objective and “tough” on the industry, they call around and ask the kinds of bigshots Leo will have to oversee coverage of what they think of the choice. What’s not to like? A useful, political idiot who will be dependent on you. You’re hired!
Another genius move by the clowns at Reed.
Variety is a boring rag anyway. The AP but with movies. Everyone had a pulse on what was going on in the industry well before V – V just repeated it. To charge actors virtually the same ad rates as the studios – was atrocious – now it’s their turn to be treated that way. No Dogs Or Variety Allowed. Touche douches.