Hearst is restructuring its digital department. Although
specific details remain unclear, the new strategy calls for a “newsier
presence” and building “stronger relationships” between Hearst properties. Earlier this week, Hearst let two top editors go and then
promptly touted new digital hires. The reorganization comes not long after Troy
Young, who came to Hearst from Say Media, was appointed to the newly created
position of president of digital media at the company. “We’re focusing on editorial, design, and
media platforms to create stronger relationships between our properties and
their communities, and building a stronger, newsier presence, which means
making choices and creating new opportunities,” Mr. Young said in an email to
The Observer. “We’re continuing to hire for roles that will move our strategy
forward, and you’ll see our site experiences evolve quickly.” “Digital is a huge area of growth and
investment for us, and we’re having our most profitable year ever,” Mr. Young
said. In an email announcing its digital hires, Hearst touted big traffic gains
for both women’s titles. “In July, Cosmopolitan.com reached 12.2 million unique
visitors, its best month ever. ELLE.com reached 3.4 million unique visitors, up
26% versus last year,” the email read.
