They are refining the masthead titles at Variety. The winner seems to be Michael Speier (pictured), who has been named executive editor of news for Variety and Daily Variety. He "will spearhead newsgathering resources for both print and online." Steven Gaydos gets executive editor for features, Kathy Lyford (daily) and Ted Johnson (weekly) become co-managing editors, Elizabeth Guider alters her business cards to read editor-at-large — "a new position in which she will travel extensively, filing reports on the international entertainment sector and coordinating coverage of key markets and festivals" — and Dana Harris formally gets the title of film editor.

Flackage:

In announcing the promotion, Peter Bart, editor-in-chief, noted Speier's appointment reflects the organization's intention to further integrate and energize the flow of news to the print product and to Variety.com. Advertising revenue for Variety.com climbed this year by 70% for the third consecutive year....

All the appointments, Bart said, reflect the continued growth of Variety's various news products and the expanding demands of the marketplace.

Timoth M. Gray remains the editor, under Bart. The new pecking order. Plus earlier: Bart disses The Envelope

Photo: Variety