Variety Axes Movie, Theater Critics

VARIETY LAYS ANOTHER EGG: The venerable show biz trade continues to hemorrhage employees, laying off longtime film critic Todd McCarthy and theater critic David Rooney, along with eight others. The publication has had at least four rounds of layoffs over the past year, representing more than 30% of its editorial staff. McCarthy was the longest tenured member at Variety, having been there since 1979. Reports are the two will be asked to remain as free-lancers, though no agreements have been reached. (3/9a)