Penske Media Corp. has acquired full ownership of South by Southwest Festival. The media company initially took a stake in SXSW in 2021, after the festival encountered serious financial difficulties when its 2020 event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The acquisition marks Penske Media's complete takeover of the Austin-based festival, which hosts annual gatherings focused on film, interactive media, and music. Further details about the transaction's financial terms were not disclosed.

Penske Media has taken full ownership of SXSW following years of increasing control and a major leadership shakeup at the Austin festival.

IndieWire names Brent Lang Editor-in-Chief, as longtime leader Dana Harris-Bridson departs. Harris-Bridson will exit in early August, with Lang, the current Executive Editor of Variety, stepping into the role later that month. July 31, 2026 12:35 pm Penske Media Corporation (PMC) on Friday announced the appointment of Brent Lang to Editor-in-Chief of IndieWire, effective August 17. A widely respected journalist and editor, Lang brings a distinctive combination of editorial leadership, industry expertise, and a deep commitment to ambitious, high-quality storytelling to IndieWire. Lang succeeds Dana Harris-Bridson, whose 15 years of editorial leadership helped shape IndieWire into the expansive and highly regarded brand it is today. During her tenure, IndieWire broadened its focus beyond independent film into television, blockbusters, and the crafts that define the industry, while also launching standout editorial franchises including Future of Filmmaking and the In Development newsletter. Lang most recently served as Executive Editor of Variety, where he covered the major Hollywood studios and their corporate parents. Since joining Variety in 2014 as a Senior Film and Media Reporter, he rose through a series of leadership roles, including New York Bureau Chief and Executive Editor, Film and Media. In 2024, he was named Entertainment Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club. He is a graduate of Brown University and the Columbia University School of Journalism. "Brent is a dynamic and deeply respected editor whose experience, instincts, and creativity make him exceptionally well-suited to lead IndieWire," said Jerry Ruiz, Senior Vice President, Operations & Finance, PMC. "He brings a sophisticated understanding of the entertainment industry, a strong editorial point of view, and a clear sense of where media is headed. Just as importantly, he understands what has always made IndieWire unique with its intelligence, its authority, and its commitment to championing bold voices and original storytelling. We are thrilled to welcome Brent to IndieWire and excited for the future of the brand under his leadership." "I'm deeply honored to take the editorial helm of a brand I've admired for many years," said Lang. "IndieWire has long stood for smart, distinctive, and fearless journalism, and it has built an extraordinary legacy by championing artists, elevating emerging voices, and covering the industry with depth and conviction. I have enormous respect for IndieWire's founder, Eugene Hernandez, and for Dana Harris-Bridson's profound contributions. They are responsible for building a world-class brand. I'm also incredibly grateful to Jay Penske, Michelle Sobrino, Dea Lawrence, Ramin Setoodeh, and Cynthia Littleton for the opportunities they have given me over the years. At a time of great change across media and entertainment, I believe there is tremendous opportunity ahead for a brand that has always believed in bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and the enduring power of great storytelling." Harris-Bridson is stepping down to focus on building her own projects, an exciting next chapter that reflects both the depth of her experience and her genuine desire to devote her time and energy to work she's passionate about. "Dana has been instrumental in shaping IndieWire into the exceptional brand it is today," said Ruiz. "Her leadership, editorial vision, and deep commitment to the brand have left a lasting mark on IndieWire and on the many people who have had the opportunity to work alongside her. We are deeply grateful for all she has contributed and for the strong foundation she leaves behind." "Dana's contributions to IndieWire have been extraordinary," said James Israel, Publisher of IndieWire. "Her leadership helped shape the brand's editorial identity, expand its reach, and strengthen its standing within the entertainment community. We are deeply grateful for all she has done to help build IndieWire into what it is today. At the same time, I'm excited to work alongside Brent as we begin this next chapter and continue building on that foundation with energy, ambition, and optimism for what lies ahead." "It's been the privilege of my career to help lead this team and this brand to where it is today," said Harris-Bridson. "I'm proud of everything we built together, and I'm energized by what's next." The transition comes at a moment of strong momentum for IndieWire. The brand recently earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for its inaugural Craft Roundtables series, won the SoCal Journalism Award for Best Website for the second year in a row, and Lynne Howard was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting to James Israel. Together, these leadership appointments reflect IndieWire's continued growth, as well as a shared commitment to the values that have long defined the brand: bold journalism, authoritative storytelling, and an enduring belief in the power of original voices and ambitious editorial vision. Based in New York City, Lang will report to Jerry Ruiz, Senior Vice President, Operations & Finance, PMC. Daily Headlines Daily Headlines covering Film, TV and more.