Media Moves

Mexico’s TV Azteca, one of the world’s largest producers of Spanish-language television programming, has sold its U.S. network Azteca América to HC2 Network Inc., a subsidiary of New York City-based diversified holding company HC2 Holdings, Inc. The deal includes a seven-year programming and services agreement that gives HC2 Network access, under certain rules, to TV Azteca’s library and programming in Mexico. HC2 will keep the Azteca América name, and Manuel Abud, Aztec America president and CEO, will continue to lead the network. HC2 chairman, president and CEO Philip Falcone said, “Our licensing agreement with TV Azteca will enable our larger broadcast network to bring compelling Spanish-language programming to even more of the large, growing and underserved Spanish-speaking population in the U.S.”

Jonah Peretti

BuzzFeed is laying off 100 of its 1,700 employees. Jonah Peretti, co-founder CEO of the internet media company, announced the news in a Wednesday memo to the staff. "As our strategy evolves, we need to evolve our organization, too — particularly our Business team," Peretti said in the memo. He noted that while the business team was put together with the aim of supporting direct sold advertising on BuzzFeed, the company now requires “different, more diverse expertise” as it expands its offerings to include such ventures as BuzzFeed Media Brands and BuzzFeed Commerce. President Greg Coleman will be stepping down, becoming a senior advisor to the company. The cuts follow reports that BuzzFeed expects to miss its 2017 revenue targets by as much as 20 percent.

Chelsey Sumney

20^th Century Fox has promoted Chelsey Sumney to SVP corporate communications. Sumney has been with the studio since 2012, most recently in the corporate comms VP slot. Before coming to Fox, she was manager, communications and special projects, at Paramount Pictures. In her new role, Summey will oversee areas including box office reporting, trade media relations, transactional announcements and internal communications. She is credited with playing a key role in Fox’s showing at this year’s Academy Awards, in which “The Martian” received seven nominations and “The Revenant” snagged a dozen. “Chelsey’s incredible work at TCFF over the years has touched every corner of our studio,” said 20^th Fox EVP Corporate Communications Dan Berger.

Time Inc. has sold lifestyle title Sunset to Regent L.P., a Los Angeles–based private equity firm led by investor Michael Reinstein. The sale covers Sunset’s monthly print publication, digital and social platforms, books and events. Founded in 1898, the title focuses on the American West, covering subjects that include travel, food, wine, home and garden. It is considered to have played a major role in the founding of the modern environmental movement, because of its early affiliation with conservationist and Sierra Club founder John Muir. “As a native Californian, I am honored to take the mantle as the fourth owner of this iconic and beloved institution,” Reinstein said. “We are excited to partner with Sunset’s talented Editor in Chief Irene Edwards and her accomplished team to ensure that Sunset continues to thrive for generations to come.”