Rumours of more arts cuts at the New York Times

There’s a revamp on the way at Arts and Leisure.

This Deadline report says it will involve even less coverage of local events that are not of interest to online subscribers.

Critics have been urged to stop covering events least likely to appeal to online subscribers: indie movies having brief runs in art houses; one-night-only concerts, off- and off-off-Broadway shows that aren’t star-driven, cabaret performances, and small art galleries. Many of the Times‘ contingent of freelance contributors, who provide much of that coverage, are likely to meet the same fate as the regional freelancers last summer. But even staff critics have been given the same marching orders, telling Deadline they are being pressured more frequently by editors to focus on higher-profile events.

There is no independent confirmation, but it’s looking like a trend.