Buzznet poaches editor from 'New York Times'
Buzznet, that upstart social-network-slash-pop-culture-content-hub based in Los Angeles, has made headlines for acquiring blog properties in a Rodeo Drive-worthy spree. But on Wednesday, the company announced the hire of an editor in chief--and it's straight from "old media."
The new head editor at Buzznet will be Jeff Leeds, who comes from a job as a music writer for The New York Times since 2004, and before that, the Los Angeles Times.
"It's hard not to be thrilled by the possibilities that arise when you blend the best practices of traditional reporting and criticism with the profound passion and genuine talent of Buzznet's army of fans," Leeds said in a release. "I am looking forward to working with the entrepreneurs and sterling writers at all of Buzznet's properties."
Through acquisitions as well as internal growth, Buzznet has built up a respectable blog network, primarily focused on music. The company acquired indie blog Stereogum in exchange for an investment stake from the blog's former owner, former AOL exec Bob Pittman's Pilot Group, and then launched sister site Videogum. Buzznet also purchased the blog Idolator from Gawker Media and has launched a celeb-gossip spinoff, Celebuzz. Universal Music Group has invested in the site.
In August, Buzznet hired former journalist Alan Citron away from his job at the AOL-owned celebrity news site TMZ.com to be head of "special projects."
In addition to Leeds, Buzznet has also hired former Alternative Press editor Leslie Simon as senior editor. Simon's claim to fame? She co-authored Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture. Don't you just <3 it?
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline.
