Vice Comms Chief Jonathan Bing Leaves To Set Up New Shop As Questions Raised Over Future Of Youth-Skewing Brand

EXCLUSIVE: Vice Media is in a state of flux as its new owners decide on a long-term strategy for the beleaguered youth media brand.

Questions were raised today after it emerged that staffers who work for Vice News website were worried that the flagship website was set to be shut down as new owners Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital plot out their plans after acquiring the brand out of bankruptcy last year.

On top of this, the company’s top communications exec Jonanthan Bing, who previously served as director of communications for Netflix, was leaving to set up a new company. He joined in 2022.

Bing, who will continue to work with Vice Media on a consultancy basis, has teamed up with Beverly Tan, a producer and casting agent who has worked on projects such as Luv Gone Wrong, to launch Bite Media.

Bing, who was also an SVP, Communications at Fox Networks Group, has also previously produced docs including Soul of a Banquet and Salam Neighbor.

Bing and Tan said, “The world is changing and there’s a greater need for shorter, more compelling video communications. Our goal is to advise creators, brands and companies on how to break through the noise, shape opinion and inspire change.” 

Deadline understands that a decision on the future of Vice Media, particularly around its web operation, is unlikely to be made until next week. The news arm of the company is believed to be loss-making, while other parts of the business including Vice Studios, which produced Max’s Bama Rush documentary and Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, and its creative advertising agency, are profitable and likely to be the focus going forward. The company has previously gone through a series of layoffs.

Vice News’ Josh Visser held a Zoom meeting with staffers earlier today but there was little clarity on long-term future of the website.

Sources told Deadline that the new owners, alongside CEO Bruce Dixon, are currently working out the next evolution of the company as they look to make it sustainable.