Meredith’s cuts may ‘buy Time’

Even as Meredith Corp. gets ready to release its second issue of the hottest new print magazine of the year, Magnolia Journal, more details are emerging on the cuts the company unveiled earlier in the week in its national media division.

Among the changes, Cheryl Brown, who was the editor-in-chief of Allrecipes, told The Post she is moving to the top spot at Family Circle. That follows the ouster of FC’s longtime editor, Linda Fears, this week.

Jennifer Darling is moving from the special interest publications group at its Des Moines, Iowa, headquarters to run Allrecipes.

As noted in Media Ink, Siempre Mujer, a magazine aimed at Hispanic women, is dropping print to go all digital. As a result, Jessica Torres, its editor-in-chief, is out.

The executive ranks were also rocked. Patrick Taylor, the respected vice president of communications, is out. Also going, Kim Mar- tin, the company’s chief strategy officer, according to sources.

The last two moves could be significant, because Meredith is said to be stalking Time Inc. for a potential takeover.

Time, which had its own round of cutbacks last month, has acknowledged it will talk to prospective suitors. While the Time board listens to what suitors might have to offer, the executives running the business seem to be operating the company as if it will not be sold.

Time Inc. reports its fullyear earnings on Feb. 16, and the word early on is that it will be another tough one for the company.

Meredith said in its earnings report last week that it had a record fourth quarter — but most of the bounce came from its broadcast TV stations.

Conversely, most of the recent cutbacks were in the national media division that includes magazines that continue to struggle.