Outside shifts toward digital and online, makes staff cuts and shuts Beta and Peloton

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Outside Interactive, the parent company of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, has cut its workforce by about 15%, eliminated two of its bike-related titles and reduced or eliminated several print magazines while continuing the titles online.

BRAIN’s editorial staff was not affected by the layoffs and BRAIN will continue to publish 12 print issues a year and maintain this website, its e-newsletters and other media products.

Outside CEO Robin Thurston said the layoffs were made across all divisions and at all levels from entry-level to executives as part of a shift away from print toward digital. The company is eliminating 80% of its print business.

“The goal is really to create more immersive, high-quality storytelling,” Thurston said. “We’ll still have some print. But on a move-forward basis, we’re really trying to move into more high-quality video.” 

Outside is continuing to build its model of a media company supported by advertising as well as membership. In addition to its media titles, Outside operates an event business, a merchandise business, an event photography service and event registration services, all of which are rolled into its Outside+ membership program.

In the bike world, Outside has ended publication of Peloton and Beta, a mountain bike title launched last year. Outside acquired Peloton last year. 

Some of the editorial staff at CyclingTips and VeloNews also were terminated. 

Several titles owned by Outside will become online-only or will publish just one or two print editions a year. They include Backpacker, Trail Runner, Women’s Fitness, Climbing and Triathlete.

Oxygen, a fitness magazine, will be ended online and in print. The print titles will be phased out, with some stopping publication immediately and others transitioning over the next few months.

Outside is offering all the employees who were let go 6 to 16 weeks of severance pay, COBRA and outplacement services

Outside magazine will continue to publish its print magazine on its current schedule.