Act III Publishing

Act III Publishing was a company that published a number of trade magazines that covered the Media, Publishing, Music and Television Industries. The company was in business from 1985 to approximately 1991/92 when the various titles were sold to a variety of other publishers and the remaining titles were shut down. Act III Publishing was owned by the famous TV producer/writer Norman Lear who held a controlling interest through his company Act III Communications. The company was based in New York City.

Norman Lear acquired Channels magazine in 1985, prior to the formation of Act III. The title had been founded as a non-profit publication by well-known television industry writer and commentator Les Brown (1929-2013). The magazine was originally titled Channels of Communication. It was started in 1981 and was funded by the John and Mary Markle Foundation until the acquisition by Lear.Channels was comprehensively re-designed and re-launched in March 2006 as a for-profit trade publication. Its frequency was changed from bimonthly to monthly and Les Brown brought on board experienced Washington Post media reporter Merrill Brown as Executive Editor. At the same time the editorial focus of the magazine was re-calibrated. While still focusing on the television business, it shifted from a mix of the art, technology and business of television with perhaps a 20% emphasis on business, to at least a 50% emphasis on business. Channels was a so-called "controlled circulation" publication, meaning that it was distributed free of charge to a select audience of media and entertainment specialists to which the advertising could be precisely targeted. (see:Magazine Controlled Circulation section)

ACT III Publishing was formed in 1986 as a subsidiary of Act III Communications and was led by long-time Lear Associate Paul David Schaeffer from its formation until 1991. Schaeffer had worked with Lear at Embassy Communications prior to its sale to The Coca-Cola Company and was the initial Chief Financial Officer of Act III Communications and negotiated the acquisition of Channels. Schaeffer was appointed CEO of Act III Publishing in January 1987.

Following the acquisition of Channels, Act III acquired Marketing and Media Decisions, a trade magazine covering the advertising and marketing business with a focus on the management and operations of marketing organizations. The magazine was acquired from its management/owners Robert C. Gardner, President; David C. Bentley, Publisher; and Venture lending Associates in October 1986. Bentley and Gardner had acquired the magazine in 1982 from the founder Norman R. Glenn for a reported $7 million. The title was eventually sold by Act III to Affiliated Publications (owners of the The Boston Globe) in October 1990.

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