PRH pulls worldwide staff from Bologna

Penguin Random House (PRH) will not send any staff to the rescheduled Bologna Children’s Book Fair, making it the second of the Big Five publishers to cancel its appearance at the fair after Simon & Schuster pulled out last week.

According to Publishers Weekly, PRH said the decision applies to all staff worldwide. The publisher said in a statement: ‘In light of the travel risks related to the coronavirus and our ongoing concerns for the health and wellbeing of our employees, authors, and partners, Penguin Random House will not participate in the Bologna Book Fair.’

Last month the fair was postponed until 4–7 May due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The Italian government has since put the entire country on lockdown until 3 April, and has cancelled sporting events and banned all public gatherings.

The fair is offering ticket refunds until 20 March to people who cannot make the rescheduled fair or wish to cancel.

Category: International news