AMI To Reduce Payroll And Eliminate 30 Employees In Major Company Restructuring

Multiple Sources, including NY Post and Media Star, are now reporting that AMI (American Media Inc), the current publisher behind Muscle & Fitness and Flex Magazine, has let go more than 30 employees across editorial and marketing this past Friday including one of the heads of Men’s Fitness and the head of digital Mike Simone. On top of these layoffs, apparently some employees who were not terminated were told their hours would be reduced – meaning reduced pay as well.

This is all followed by David Zinczenko ending his editorial director consulting gig with AMI as well – which was rumored to be a six figure contract that expired at the end of 2016.

This major shake up is considered a “restructuring” by AMI. The elimination of 30 jobs was followed by the merging of the editorial and business staffs of Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, and Flex Magazine into what is now called “The AMI Fitness Group.” This group will be lead by Chris Scardino (Executive Vice President) and Shawn Perine (Vice President and Editorial Director).

These new layoffs come just 9 months after the company reportedly let go of 50 employees – making the total number of terminated staffers up to 90 within 2016. This news might re-spark rumors of AMI CEO David Pecker selling more magazine titles or perhaps an outright sale of the company. AMI’s Shape Magazine was already sold to Meredith Publishing in 2015.

(Note: Joe Weider’s – Weider Publishing (Flex, M&F, Men’s Fitness) was acquired by AMI in 2002, right before the magazine sales slump.)

These reports right now come from Mediawire, Media Star, and the New York Post. While we have yet to see official confirmation on AMI’s side – we will keep you updated when more information becomes available.