Variety Chief's Blog Spicing up Life

Variety editor Peter Bart has always spoken his mind in his "Back Lot" print column. Now, he's stepping it up with a blog, getting loose and having fun.

"Variety has already established itself," Bart told Portfolio.com while taking about his plans to deliver daily commentary and short hits about industry news with a twist of humor. "Now we're improving its blogdom."

"We have a sense of humor and that's lacking in this business. People take things too seriously--some people are just whacked out. It should be a lot of fun, if I can make people smile."

Meanwhile, Variety still is up for sale, and Bart says there were talks with a company in London last week. Stay tuned.

Last spring, Variety's top New York editor Jill Goldsmith exited for a freelance role. Dade Hayes, handpicked by Bart, was tapped as assistant managing editor. By summer's end, however, a mass exodus occurred, leaving the bureau a lean team consisting of Hayes, Variety hand John Dempsey along with well-liked Broadway chief David Rooney and his number two, Gordon Cox.

New York Times reporter Winter Miller joined the team along with freelancer Sam Thielman and Mike Fleming. (Full disclosure: this reporter once worked for Variety.)

Variety staffer Steve Zeitchik jumped to The Hollywood Reporter, and television pro Michael Learmonth joined Silicon Alley Insider.

John Clarke Jr.