Billboard On The Block?

Two sources told former New York Times reporter Sharon Waxman that the 42 trade papers of Nielsen Business Media, which include Billboard, Hollywood Reporter and Backstage, are for sale.

Hollywood Reporter publisher Eric Mika told Waxman he had not heard of any sale. Nielsen’s entertainment senior VP Gerry Byrne said the "joint is not up for sale," adding that reports might be coming from unsolicited callers eager to get their hands on the well-known brands of his division.

The Reporter has had some setbacks, reportedly laying off more than 36 employees this year, but Byrne said the mag has "big plans to expand," adding that transforming the international edition into a Friday weekend edition increased circulation by 22 percent.