The new came fast and furious Friday morning over this announcement in which Laya Clark and Chris Scardino were being promoted to the top positions. What is going on with Peter McGough, who has been an icon at the Weider offices, running Flex and Muscle & Fitness for a long time now. Peter was on of the most informative and knowlegable people in bodybuilding circles. As Friday rolled along, it seems that Peter had resigned, and will be taking a lesser role as an editorial consultant, and that a few other people will also be promoted to run Flex and M&F seperately. Here is the press release that came out late Thursday, and tune in for additional information next week.

American Media Inc. Names Laya Clark and Chris Scardino Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Publishing Directors of AMI’s Enthusiast Group of Fitness Titles

NEW YORK, Oct 23, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — David J. Pecker, Chairman and CEO of American Media Inc. (AMI), today announced that Laya Clark and Chris Scardino, currently Group Publishers of Muscle & Fitness, Flex and Muscle & Fitness Hers magazines, have been named Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Publishing Directors of the AMI Enthusiast Group. The Group includes the three publications, their web sites, Mr. Olympia, and all other related events and brand extensions.

Mr. Pecker commented “Laya and Chris have exhibited outstanding leadership qualities since AMI acquired the Weider titles in 2003. In their new role as ‘brand champions,” they will continue to be responsible for the advertising of the magazines and web sites, as well as overseeing the marketing, public relations and editorial direction the brands will take in the future.”

Collectively, Muscle & Fitness, Flex and M&F Hers reach over 8 million readers a month. They are the leading titles for serious fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders.