SXSW President Says He Was Forced Out in Penske Media Shakeup: 'Definitely Not My Decision'

Former South by Southwest President Hugh Forrest said he was forced out of his role last week as part of several changes made to the popular festival by its parent company, Penske Media Corp. "Leaving SXSW was definitely not my decision," Forrest said in a statement shared with The New York Times and a few other media outlets Wednesday. "I put my heart and soul into this event for more than 35 years - and I was looking forward to leading several more editions. To this end, I will be rooting big time for the Austin team going forward. The city, the country, the world needs the positive . . .