July 8, 2024
Major Shifts in Lighting Industry Media Landscape Unfold
Above: The logos of various trade publications are displayed solely for the purposes of commentary and news reporting in accordance with fair use principles under U.S. copyright law
Rebranding, mergers and personal announcements shape the evolving trade media scene
In the fast-paced world of business, staying informed about industry developments is important for professionals in any field. This is especially true in the lighting industry, where technological advancements and market shifts occur rapidly. Consuming information from multiple media sources, whether mainstream news or specialized trade publications, helps individuals gain a well-rounded perspective on what is happening in their world.
The following roundup offers a glimpse into recent changes in lighting industry publications, which have seen a flurry of notable events thus far in 2024. From rebranding initiatives to mergers and personal announcements, these updates highlight significant happenings in the lighting media landscape. By understanding these changes, industry professionals can foster a more connected and informed lighting community, recognizing how each publication contributes uniquely to the collective understanding of the sector. Please remember to keep Inside Lighting bookmarked as part of your regular lighting industry news diet.
tED Magazine Sunsets "lightED" in Favor of "electrifiED"
tED magazine, operated by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), launched the "lightED" news website in 2017 during the rapid growth of LED technology as electrical distributors embraced opportunities from the LED Revolution of the 2010s. Seven years later, "lightED" has been replaced by "electrifiED," a new media site focusing on electrification efforts throughout the supply chain, exclusive research by NAED on electrification, and other news relating to this burgeoning sector.
While transitioning to "electrifiED," tED magazine remains committed to covering lighting industry news. All "lightED" stories will move to www.tedmag.com, and lighting news coverage will continue there. The partnership with Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich from the Get A Grip On Lighting podcast will also continue, with their content migrating to tedmag.com and featured monthly in tED magazine's digital edition. The new "electrifiED" website was launched July 1 at www.tedelectrified.com.
LightSPEC Magazine Merges into Architectural Products
Effective July 1, LightSPEC magazine officially merged into Architectural Products magazine. This change consolidates coverage of lighting products, trends, design tips, and project profiles into a single source. Readers can find the combined content at arch-products.com and in the July/August issue of Architectural Products.
This merger follows a tumultuous period for LightSPEC, which was rebranded from Architectural SSL in January 2024. The merger may partly be in response to a trademark dispute with New York-based lighting agent Lightspec LLC. The legal challenge, centered on the "LIGHTSPEC" trademark, may have influenced Endeavor Business Media's decision to integrate LightSPEC into Architectural Products just months after the recent rebranding.
It is unclear what impact this announcement will have on the biennial LightSPEC West trade show, next expected to occur in 2026.
EdisonReport
Randy Reid, longtime publisher of EdisonReport, announced in late June his plans for retirement. Reid, who turns 63 this month, stated, "I am laying the groundwork for my retirement. I plan to begin reducing my workload early next year and to be fully retired in the next two to three years. This is a significant move for me and one I am very excited about. I will continue to share more information as it becomes available."
In recent years, reports have surfaced about Reid engaging in acquisition talks with other media, none of which have led to announcements of EdisonReport being acquired. While his brief announcement doesn't indicate the future ownership structure of EdisonReport, it suggests that there is a plan in place.
LEDs Magazine
Two notable developments in recent months come from LEDs Magazine, another media property of Endeavor Business Media.
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Earlier this year, Carrie Meadows, the Editor-in-Chief of LEDs Magazine, announced a strategic shift back to digital-only content delivery. The March/April issue marked the final print edition of LEDs Magazine. The publication will now focus on its website and email newsletters to better serve its audience with timely, engaging, and diverse content.
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Very sad news: Maury Wright, the longtime editor-in-chief of LEDs Magazine, passed away in June after stepping down from his role in 2022*. Wright was highly respected in the industry, particularly among those in the LED components and OEM channels of the lighting sector. Meadows published a heartfelt tribute honoring Wright's contributions and character.
The lighting community has expressed their condolences and shared memories of Wright on LinkedIn, highlighting his talent, professionalism, and gentlemanly nature. His impact on the industry and the people he worked with is deeply felt. May his memory be a blessing.
As the most visited lighting industry news and information media site in North America, Inside Lighting remains committed to bringing timely and relevant content to its readers. We look forward to continuing our mission of keeping lighting people well-informed and connected in this ever-evolving industry landscape.
*NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly cited 2023 as the year that Wright retired. We regret the mistake.
