Rodale Reduces 10 Percent of Workforce

Rodale is cutting 111 jobs in its corporate, editorial, operations, shared services, customer marketing and IT departments, in large part because of the tough economy. The cuts, which represent 10 percent of the company’s workforce, will take place at its corporate headquarters in Pennsylvania, New York and at satellite offices. “We’ve seen our clients’ priorities shift dramatically this year,” wrote Steven Murphy, president and chief executive officer, in an internal company memo. The Emmaus, Pa.-based company will transition its IT and operations functions to outside vendors by the first quarter of next year and have integrated sales and marketing, handled formerly by Rodale Marketing Solutions, to the individual titles. Murphy also noted the company is “on the right track and poised to deliver our 2008 goals.” No senior-level editors or publishers will be affected by the layoffs. In addition, a spokeswoman said the holiday party will be held in-house this year; last year, Rodale held its party at the Bryant Park Hotel.

According to Media Industry Newsletter, Men’s Health’s ad pages are down 8.53 percent to 939 pages through November, while Women’s Health is up 14.8 percent to 672 pages, Best Life is up 9.55 percent to 544 pages and Runner’s World is also up slightly, at 0.98 percent, to 687 pages.