News

Today, Rolling Stone announced the appointment of Sean Woods and Shirley Halperin as its new Co-Editors-in-Chief. Woods, Rolling Stone’s longtime Executive Editor, steps into the role effective immediately and will continue to be based in New York. Halperin, a veteran music journalist and former Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter, will assume her new position on September 1, serving as both Co-Editor-in-Chief and Head of Music, and splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles. Halperin’s appointment makes history as she becomes Rolling Stone’s first female Editor-in-Chief in its nearly 60-year legacy. Together, they will work closely with Rolling Stone CEO Julian Holguin to shape the editorial direction of one of the world’s most iconic media brands.

“Sean and Shirley are unmatched in their expertise and passion for storytelling, and their partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping Rolling Stone’s future,” said Holguin. “Both bring exceptional vision and a deep understanding of the brand’s legacy. Their leadership will continue to drive the world-class journalism and culture-shaping conversations that Rolling Stone’s audience has come to expect.”

Sean Woods has been a cornerstone of Rolling Stone’s editorial operation for over 20 years, most recently serving as Executive Editor. During his tenure, he has overseen award-winning investigations and feature stories that have earned three National Magazine Awards, two George Polk Awards, and numerous other accolades, including GLAAD, DART, and LA Press Club Awards. Woods also collaborated with teams that earned an Emmy nomination. Prior to his role at Rolling Stone, he was a contributing editor at Men's Journal, where his "Last Word" column featured interviews with Anthony Bourdain, Mel Brooks, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, among others.

“Rolling Stone is embarking on an exciting new era,” Woods said. “Julian and Shirley bring a lot of fresh ideas, passion, and energy. We are going to be trying different formats and approaches — while sticking to our core principles of in-depth reporting, breaking news, gripping feature writing, and sharp cultural criticism.”

Shirley Halperin brings more than two decades of experience in entertainment and music journalism to Rolling Stone. She has held leadership roles at Variety, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Los Angeles Magazine, where she helped spearhead initiatives such as Variety’s Hitmakers event and Billboard’s annual No. 1s franchises. Halperin’s work has earned numerous Los Angeles Press Club awards, and she is the author of three books. Most recently, she served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter, where she played a key role in shaping its music coverage.

“I’m very proud — personally and professionally — to help usher in the next era of the world’s most formidable music brand as its first female Editor-in-Chief,” said Halperin. “And to share the title and work shoulder-to-shoulder with Sean Woods, who has steered Rolling Stone’s editorial and fortified its place as a leader in journalism over the last two decades, is an added honor. I’m excited to see Julian’s vision for Rolling Stone come to life and to continue this legacy brand’s culture-shifting, conversation-sparking, music-loving ethos in a new media landscape that’s ripe for innovation and disruption.”

The appointments of Woods and Halperin underscore Rolling Stone’s commitment to delivering exceptional journalism across music, culture, politics, and beyond. As part of its broader strategy for growth and innovation, Rolling Stone will also be recruiting a Global Sales and Partnerships leader, in addition to a Strategy and Operations leader, who will help strengthen the company’s capabilities and expand its reach across an increasingly dynamic media landscape.

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About Rolling Stone:

Five decades since its founding, Rolling Stone today has evolved into a multi-platform content brand with unrivalled access and authority. Published in 10 languages, Rolling Stone has a global audience of over 75 million across 14 international editions. Staying true to its mission to tell exceptional stories that illuminate the culture of our times, Rolling Stone is an authority for music reviews, in-depth interviews, hard-hitting political commentary, and award-winning journalism across print, digital, mobile, video, social and events. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation, Rolling Stone provides “all the news that fits.”

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New York, NY, July 28, 2025— Today, Fairchild Media Group (FMG), home to the fashion and beauty industry’s most trusted media resources, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Footwear News (FN), Beauty Inc, and Sourcing Journal (SJ), announces key milestones in its digital and experiential transformation, including the re-platforming of FN onto the WWD digital platform and the growth of its global live events portfolio, all as WWD celebrates its 115th anniversary this year.

In Q2, in a move designed to more efficiently provide its authoritative industry news to a growing audience of both global executives and consumers, FMG re-platformed Footwear News (FN) onto the WWD digital platform. In May, the combined reach of WWD, Beauty Inc, and FN hit 8.9 million monthly unique visitors, according to ComScore. Building on this success, the group plans to re-platform Sourcing Journal later this year to create a singular destination for the industry’s most trusted and coveted business and consumer content.

“By bringing the power of WWD, FN and Beauty Inc content together on one platform, we are better able to serve both the designers and industry leaders and the rapidly growing number of fashion and beauty consumers who turn to our brands for accurate news and the unmatched access they've come to expect," said Amanda Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Fairchild Media Group. “And as we celebrate WWD's 115th anniversary and Footwear News's 80th, this is a testament to the legacy and vitality of our brands. We are more excited than ever to continue to innovate and deliver the content and global live events that drive the industry forward.”

The digital move is complemented by the growth of FMG’s renowned live programming across the quarter. Marquee events, like the WWD Beauty CEO Summit and the FN 80th anniversary celebration drew top industry leaders, while FMG expanded its experiential strategy with the launch of the WWD Culture Club, a new editorially led franchise spotlighting the intersection of business, culture, and creativity in major fashion cities around the world, kicking off in London in May. Earlier in the year, FMG solidified its authority in connecting to its growing consumer audience with WWD’s first red-carpet livestream from the Golden Globes and the Style Awards, garnering a total 8 billion media and press impressions.

Globally, FMG hosted a high-profile Fashion & Beauty Summit in Riyadh and will launch a new edition of WWD in Thailand this summer, underscoring the group’s commitment to serving emerging fashion and beauty markets around the world.

Fairchild has also expanded its editorial reach, building on WWD’s authoritative coverage with new consumer-facing touchpoints such as WWD Weekend. Recent covers featuring Anne Hathaway, Ana de Armas, and Damson Idris are resonating with the growing audience among luxury consumers who come to the brand for its authority in fashion, beauty, and culture.  

“Fairchild Media Group’s heritage is built on trusted brands like WWD and FN, but our future is about innovation and connection,” added James Fallon, Chief Content Officer, WWD and Fairchild Media Group. “With new franchises, a unified platform strategy, and the historic milestone of WWD’s 115th anniversary, we’re excited to keep evolving with the industries we cover.”

To subscribe to WWD newsletters, please sign up at this link.

About Fairchild Media Group  

Fairchild Media Group (FMG) is the leading source of fashion news and analysis for industry leaders and the global fashion community. Established in 1892 by Edmund Fairchild, Fairchild Media Group’s brands include Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Footwear News (FN), Beauty Inc, and Sourcing Journal (SJ). Fairchild Media group further includes Fairchild Live – the global live events division producing 30+ global thought leader and consumer experiences, and Fairchild Studio, a multi-platform content production team, executing over 250+ brand partner programs annually. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation (PMC), FMG content reaches a 17.5 million+ international audience of industry executives and highly engaged consumers across all media platforms.  

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Today, Dick Clark Productions(DCP), the world’s largest owner and producer of televised live event entertainment programming, announced the appointment of Mike Chuthakieo as the company’s first-ever Chief Commercial Officer. Chuthakieo will oversee all aspects of commercial strategy and revenue generation for the company, establishing strategic brand alliances and helping to develop and expand the reach of IP across all media platforms for top-rated programming, including “Golden Globes,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” the No. 1 entertainment special in America, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” and “Academy of Country Music Awards.” He will report to Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions. Chuthakieo will officially join the team on July 28, 2025, and will be based in Los Angeles.  

“Mike brings a wealth of expertise in accelerating business growth for iconic brands and forging groundbreaking, innovative partnerships,” said Penske. “His broad experience across a diverse range of platforms makes him a key addition to our team and the ideal leader to help guide our next phase of global expansion.”

“I’ve long admired Dick Clark Productions for its rich legacy of shaping culture through live event programming,” said Chuthakieo. “I’m excited to join the team and expand the potential of these legendary properties while exploring new opportunities for growth in today’s dynamic media landscape.”

Chuthakieo joins DCP with more than two decades of experience leading revenue strategy, brand partnerships, and commercial innovation across the media, entertainment, and advertising industries. Prior to joining Dick Clark Productions, Chuthakieo served as Chief Revenue Officer at 88rising, where he led the global commercial organization, driving success across sales, activation, and operations. He developed and executed the sponsorship and monetization strategy across 88rising’s music projects and original IP, including the globally recognized Head in the Clouds music festival. His leadership also shaped the commercialization of 88rising's media ecosystem, including social platforms, digital media partnerships, and original content.

Chuthakieo’s career includes pivotal leadership positions at Pinterest, Pandora, and MySpace, where he played key roles in building their advertising businesses from the ground up. His extensive experience spans ad agencies, sports marketing, media, and adtech, bringing a forward-thinking, cross-platform approach to commercial strategy.

About Dick Clark Productions

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world’s largest owner and producer of televised live event entertainment programming including “The Golden Globes,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” the No. 1 entertainment special in America, “Rising Stars of Country Music” and Emmy®-winning series “So You Think You Can Dance.” Dick Clark Productions also possesses one of the world’s most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation. For more information, please visit DickClark.com.

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Media Contacts:

Dick Clark Productions | Gina Sorial, gsorial@dickclark.com  

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) today announced that its current President and beloved leader, George Grobar, will transition into a role advising the CEO of PMC after 16 years with the company. Grobar will continue to serve on Penske Media’s Board of Directors, in addition to supporting the company in a part-time capacity. Craig Perreault, PMC’s Chief Strategy Officer, has been promoted to the role of President of Media & Corporate Development.

Grobar joined PMC in 2009 as Chief Financial Officer, where he played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth through several new brand acquisitions, establishing PMC’s joint venture operations in India, and leading the successful integration of numerous PMC iconic brands. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, overseeing PMC’s music and entertainment brands as well as the company’s operating units and business strategies. Since 2021, Grobar has served as PMC’s President.

"George is one of the greatest executives I’ve ever had the chance to work alongside, he’s a trusted friend, impactful leader, and one of the shrewdest business minds I know," said Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation. "I feel so fortunate for 16 years of partnership and remain excited about our continued collaboration for many more years to come. George’s contributions to this organization are indelible and have no doubt been instrumental in making PMC the company it is today."

"The last 16 years have been exhilarating, witnessing the creation and build of the most extraordinary media and events companies in the world," said Grobar. "I am grateful for my PMC family, the numerous talented executives, and for the opportunity to continue working closely with Jay.”

As part of his promotion, Perreault will oversee all revenue initiatives across PMC’s 26 media brands in addition to strategic corporate development and partnerships. He will continue to report to Jay Penske.

Perreault joined PMC 21 years ago, shortly after the company's founding. Most recently, as Chief Strategy Officer, he led PMC’s business development, strategic partnerships, and revenue initiatives across PMC’s portfolio of leading brands. In addition, he oversaw the Head of Industry Sales (HOI) team, and the International Licensing and Product Licensing divisions.

During his tenure at PMC, Perreault has also served in several senior roles, including Chief Digital Officer, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Products & Strategic Partnerships, GM of Mail.com, and Senior Director of Business Development, working closely with Penske and Grobar since the company’s founding.

"George's impact on PMC has been immeasurable," said Perreault. "He’s been a close colleague and friend for a long time, and I’m grateful that our collaboration will continue through his participation on the board and special projects."

Perreault added, "I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing my journey with the incredible people and brands at PMC. This marks my 21st year at the company, and I feel well-positioned to carry forward PMC’s core mission. Despite the challenges we face in today’s market, I believe there will always be a place for information, experiences, and entertainment of the highest quality."

"Craig has been with me almost since day one, playing an integral role in building and driving this business forward," said Penske. "Over the years, he’s worn many hats across the organization and developed a truly unique understanding of the complexities of our business. His deep expertise, natural ability to adapt, and unwavering nimbleness have always set him apart. I’m excited to see the impact he will make in his new role."

As one of the top digital publishers and live events companies globally, Penske Media’s business continues to succeed during unprecedented media headwinds.

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About Penske Media Corporation

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading global media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a passionate monthly audience of more than 350 million. Since 2004, PMC has been a pioneer in digital media and live events, reaching viewers on all screens across its ever-growing constellation of iconic brands, which includes Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Dick Clark Productions, WWD, SHE Media, Robb Report, Deadline, Sportico, ARTnews, Fairchild Media, Vibe, IndieWire, Artforum, Gold Derby and Luminate, the premier data and analytics company. PMC’s journalists and content creators deliver daily the most comprehensive news and information in their industries and areas of coverage, unequaled in ambition, depth, and courage. In addition, PMC owns several of the most iconic and vital cultural events such as The Golden Globes, Country Music Awards (ACMs), Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, SXSW, American Music Awards (AMAs), and Latin Music Week. Penske Media is headquartered in New York, Los Angeles, Austin and Miami with additional offices in 14 countries worldwide, for more information, please visit www.PMC.com.

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Today, global music authority Billboard announced its Hip-Hop & R&B LIVE concert, a celebration of emerging talent in the music industry, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the iconic Webster Hall in New York City. Sponsored by State Farm®, this event is a centerpiece of Billboard’s Hip-Hop & R&B Week and will feature an electrifying headlining performance by Leon Thomas alongside the genre’s brightest rising stars: GELO, Odeal, and Ravyn Lenae. The full schedule and lineup will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

“Billboard has always been at the forefront of recognizing and promoting emerging talent,” said Mike Van, CEO of ‍Hip-Hop & R&B LIVE is free and open to the public, offering an unforgettable night of music and artistry. In addition to the performances, State Farm will host an exclusive screen-printing station where attendees can customize shirts designed by talented HBCU artists, creating a unique keepsake from the evening. Guests can also stop by L’Oréal – Ralph’s Club featuring a custom photo moment and complimentary product samples from Ralph Lauren.. “This concert is a testament to the vibrant future of Hip-Hop and R&B and our commitment to celebrating artists who are shaping the music landscape.”

EVENT DETAILS:

• Event Name: Billboard Hip-Hop & R&B LIVE 
• Date: September 5, 2025
• Location: Webster Hall, New York, NY
• Admission: RSVP for your Tickets HERE
  
  

For more updates on the concert lineup, activities, and ticket information, please visit https://live.billboard.com/2025.  

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ABOUT BILLBOARD

Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning more than a dozen countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe. 

ABOUT STATE FARM

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. It's more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

‍MEDIA CONTACTS

Billboard:

Lydia Baskharoon | lbaskharoon@pmc.com

Today, sports business authority Sportico announced the return of RISE: Women’s Sports, a one-day event dedicated to driving innovation, investment, and progress in the rapidly growing women’s sports marketplace. Set to take place on Tuesday, September 16 at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) headquarters in New York City, the day will connect leaders across finance, media, marketing, and sports charting the next chapter for women’s athletics.

As women’s sports leagues, teams, and athletes command unprecedented attention and investment, RISE will showcase key voices who are spearheading this shift—from commissioners to owners to executives building the foundation for equity and opportunity.  

“The growth of women’s sports isn’t a trend—it’s a business story with real staying power,” said Scott Soshnick, Editor-in-Chief of Sportico. “RISE is where key players from across the industry come together to talk about what’s working and what’s next.”

Building on the success of last year’s RISE event—which also took place at NBPA Headquarters and featured an incredible lineup of speakers including WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, and New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke—RISE 2025 will once again spotlight the executives, owners, and changemakers at the WNBA, NWSL, AUSL, and beyond that are defining the business of women’s sports.

Highlights from the event’s programming include:

• 1:1 with Michele Kang: In this keynote conversation, entrepreneur and visionary owner Michele Kang will share her bold vision for transforming women’s sports on a global scale. As the majority owner of the Washington Spirit and the first to lead a multi-club women’s football organization spanning multiple continents, Kang is redefining leadership, equity, and investment in the women’s game.

• Women in the Front Office Panel: As the business of sports evolves, women are increasingly leading from the front office — shaping team strategy, driving revenue, building global brands, and transforming fan engagement. This panel brings together influential women across key roles in sports organizations to discuss their paths to leadership, the impact they’re making across departments, and how they’re changing the game from the inside out. Panelists include Yael Averbuch, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations at Gotham FC; Christine Monjer, President of the Los Angeles Sparks; Kim Ng, Senior Advisor and Commissioner of Athletes Unlimited Softball League; and Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun.

• A Keynote Conversation with Terri Jackson: In this powerful conversation with Terri Jackson, Executive Director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), she will discuss the evolution of player-led movements, the ongoing fight for equity and respect in sports, and how collective action is transforming the business of women's athletics. As one of the most influential voices in athlete advocacy and labor rights, Jackson will talk about how the WNBPA has reshaped the landscape of professional women’s basketball—securing historic gains in pay equity, maternity protections, and player empowerment.

• Agents & Athletes in Conversation: Every great athlete has a powerhouse behind the scenes. Join leading sports agents and their clients as they discuss what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive sports world. This candid conversation explores trust, strategy, career milestones, and the unfiltered reality of navigating fame, pressure, and performance together.  

• Where Hoops Meets Hype: Unrivaled Season 2: We’ll unpack the bold evolution from Season 1 to Season 2—highlighting format changes, storytelling innovations, and how the league continues to blend elite basketball talent with entertainment and fan engagement. Get insights into athlete recruitment, content strategy, production challenges, and how Unrivaled is shaping the future of sports media. Panelists include Alex Bazzell, Co-Founder & President, Unrivaled; Micky Lawler, Commissioner, Unrivaled.

Additional programming and speakers will be announced leading up to the event.  

Presented in partnership with industry leaders WNBPA, GalwayPlus, Scoreplay, Genius Sports, and Sidley Austin LLP, RISE: Women's Sports will also feature networking opportunities and exclusive insights into the tools and platforms transforming the women's sports industry. Sportico is also proud to announce Rhone as the official merchandise partner for its upcoming conferences, providing premium performance apparel to today’s sports industry leaders.

Key Details:

WHEN: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

WHERE: NBPA Headquarters (1133 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036)

TIME: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

To register for RISE, visit: https://www.sporticolive.com/rise2025

Connect with Sportico on social media to join the conversation:

• X: @Sportico
• Instagram: @Sportico
• Facebook: @SporticoNews
• YouTube: @SporticoNews

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About Sportico:

Sportico is a digital content platform providing sports industry news, data, insights, strategies, leadership and live media experiences for professionals in the $600 billion sports industry. Launched by Penske Media in 2020 as the global media and publishing leader in the business of sports, Sportico has offices in New York and Los Angeles with reporters throughout the world committed to providing breaking news in the sports business industry covered by the world’s top journalists.

PR Contact:  

Nicole Morano, nmorano@pmc.com