The demise of the classical broad-line region in the luminous quasar PG 1416-129

New observations of the broad-line quasar PG 1416-129 reveal a large declin e in its continuum luminosity over the past 10 years. In response to the co ntinuum change, the "classical" broad component of H beta has almost comple tely disappeared (a factor of 10 decrease in flux). In its place there rema ins a redshifted/redward asymmetric very broad emission line component. The significance of this change is multifold. (1) It confirms the existence of a distinct redshifted very broad line region (VBLR) component that persist s after the demise of the broad component and that is frequently observed, along with the broad component, in radio-loud sources. (2) The smaller (dec rease by a factor of 2) intensity change in the H beta very broad component supports the previously advanced idea that the VBLR is physically distinct and likely to arise in an optically thin region close to the central sourc e. (3) The presence of a strong very broad component in the radio-quiet qua sar PG 1416-129 reinforces the notion that such "population B" quasars shar e similar spectroscopic (and hence geometrical and kinematical) properties to radio-loud sources. (4) AGNs can show broad, very broad, or both line co mponents simultaneously, making statistical comparisons of source profile w idths difficult. (5) The interpretation, in reverberation studies, of the p resence or lack of correlated response in broad-line wings will be affected by this composite BLR/VBLR structure.