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    Variety
    Entertainment Trade Publication

    Variety

    by Variety

    "The Business of Entertainment"

    96%

    Rating

    4.8/5

    Available
    Community

    Overview

    Founded in 1905 by Sime Silverman in New York City, Variety began as a weekly trade paper covering vaudeville and theater. It quickly became the insider's chronicle of show business, developing its own slang and a reputation for sharp, authoritative reporting. In 1933, the company launched Daily Variety in Los Angeles to cover the booming film industry, and over the decades it expanded into television, music, and digital media.

    Today, under Penske Media Corporation, Variety operates a comprehensive website that delivers breaking entertainment news, film and TV reviews, box office reports, and awards-season analysis. It also maintains a robust events business, including the annual Power of Young Hollywood celebration, and produces popular video series like Actors on Actors. With its mix of breaking scoops, deep-dive features, and industry data, Variety remains an essential daily read for entertainment professionals and passionate fans who want to understand the business behind the screen.

    Key Features

    • Breaking entertainment news
    • In-depth film and TV reviews
    • Box office reporting and analysis
    • Awards season coverage and predictions
    • Industry data and credits database
    • Video series like Actors on Actors
    • Annual events and summits

    Specifications

    Founded1905
    FounderSime Silverman
    Parent CompanyPenske Media Corporation
    HeadquartersLos Angeles, California
    FormatWeekly magazine, website, digital media
    Primary AudienceEntertainment industry professionals

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Authoritative and trustworthy reporting
    • • Comprehensive coverage across all entertainment sectors
    • • Insider perspective and industry slang
    • • Strong digital presence and multimedia content

    Cons

    • • Subscription required for full access
    • • Heavy focus on business side may not appeal to casual fans
    • • Print edition less relevant in digital age

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does a Variety subscription cost?
    A Variety digital subscription typically costs around $1 per week or roughly $50–$60 per year, with frequent promotional discounts for the first year. Print and digital bundle subscriptions are priced higher, often between $100 and $150 annually, and institutional or corporate subscriptions cost more.
    Is Variety worth it for entertainment industry news?
    For entertainment industry professionals, Variety is widely considered worth the subscription cost due to its authoritative breaking news, exclusive interviews, and industry-standard box office and awards coverage. Casual entertainment fans may find the free website content sufficient, but subscribers gain access to premium analysis, the digital magazine, and the full archives.
    Variety vs. The Hollywood Reporter vs. Deadline: which is better?
    Variety is the oldest and most established trade, known for its authoritative awards coverage and insider slang, while The Hollywood Reporter offers strong feature journalism and its own rankings, and Deadline excels at fast-breaking news scoops. Industry professionals often subscribe to multiple outlets, but Variety is generally considered the most prestigious and historically significant of the three.
    When was Variety founded?
    Variety was founded in 1905 in New York City by Sime Silverman, originally as a weekly publication covering vaudeville and theater. It expanded to film coverage with the launch of Daily Variety in Los Angeles in 1933, and today operates as a weekly magazine and digital platform under Penske Media Corporation.
    Does Variety cover TV shows and streaming, or just movies?
    Variety covers the full spectrum of entertainment media, including film, television, streaming platforms, music, theater, digital media, and the business side of all these sectors. Its coverage includes TV reviews, streaming ratings, talent deals, production news, and awards coverage for both film and television.

    Keywords

    Varietyentertainment trade publicationshow business newsfilm reviewsbox officeawards coveragePenske Media Corporation

    Sources

    Variety Official SiteWikipediaVariety on YouTubeVariety on InstagramVariety on X

    Product Info

    Brand
    Variety
    Manufacturer
    Penske Media Corporation
    Category
    Entertainment Trade Publication
    Availability
    Available
    Founded
    1905
    Founder
    Sime Silverman
    Parent Company
    Penske Media Corporation
    Headquarters
    Los Angeles, California
    Format
    Weekly magazine, website, digital media

    Where to Buy

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