Publishers Weekly has been acquired by PWxyz, LLC, a newly formed company headed by one-time PW publisher George Slowik.
The acquisition includes the Web site Publishersweekly.com and Publishers Weekly Show Daily. The new company will retain all of PW’s editorial, art, and advertising employees and the magazine will remain headquartered in New York City. Cevin Bryerman will stay as publisher with Jim Milliot and Michael Coffey serving as co-editors. Slowik ran PW in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading the publication to record profits despite a poor economy. John Poulin, CEO of PW’s former owner Reed Business Information, said, “Given George’s history with Publishers Weekly, we believe this will be a great match.”

This could give PW the shot in the arm it needs with an owner who hopefully understands how publishing has changed. I would like to see more about the self-publishing process and programs offered from various publishing houses.

Just as publishing needs to undergo a radical change – so too does PW. I wish them every success in the world.