Variety

Variety is an entertainment industry news organization that provides reporting, analysis, and data on film, television, theater, music, and related sectors. It publishes both a weekly print newspaper and a continuously updated website that serves professionals working in the entertainment business worldwide. The outlet’s content includes breaking news, feature articles, reviews, box office statistics, and trend analyses that inform producers, distributors, agents, and other industry stakeholders. Variety’s reputation rests on its long history of covering the entertainment business, dating back to its founding in the early twentieth century. The publication is recognized for its authoritative box office reporting and its detailed coverage of film festivals, award seasons, and market events. In September 2016, Variety experienced a security incident when the hacking group OurMine gained access to its WordPress content management system.

The attackers defaced the website, sent numerous automated emails to subscribers, and claimed responsibility for what they described as a security test. Variety confirmed the breach, stating that the intrusion resulted from a compromised employee password and that no personal subscriber data was leaked. The group asserted that they accessed the database but chose not to expose it, attributing the high volume of emails to an unintended technical issue. Following the incident, Variety publicly acknowledged the event, reassured its audience about data security, and emphasized its commitment to protecting its digital platforms. Variety is owned by Penske Media Corporation, which acquired the brand and integrated it into its portfolio of media properties. This ownership places Variety within a larger network of entertainment and lifestyle publications that share resources and editorial expertise.