Most of the time when you hear about changes to alt-weekly papers in the news, it’s because they’ve closed, ceasing to exist and evaporating into the annals of history. But — great news — that’s not what’s happening here. As of this week, CityBeat has joined Euclid Media Group, a Cleveland-based media company that also owns a bunch of other like-minded and excellent alternative publications including the Cleveland Scene, Detroit Metro Times, Orlando Weekly, Riverfront Times, San Antonio Current, Out In SA and Out in STL.
In our current landscape, the voice of alternative media is more important now than ever, and becoming colleagues with the likes of constantly award-winning cultural and investigative teams like those at the Cleveland Scene, Metro Times, San Antonio Current and everyone else on that list is pretty exciting. We’re invigorated and looking forward to continuing to produce the work that makes CityBeat so unique — we’re local, we’re Cincinnati and our diverse and in-depth coverage of everything from social issues and arts coverage to the best pizza in town isn’t going anywhere. We’re even going to expand our digital and event footprint to complement our print product and give you more reasons to eat, drink and engage with us (and, you know, read really good reporting).
On another note, I am moving from Managing Editor to Editor in Chief. Taking over this publication is more of an honor than I can articulate. I love CityBeat — I’ve been dedicated to this paper for more than a decade, starting as an intern and working my way up. I’ve been a Listings Editor, Associate Editor, Dining Editor, Senior Editor, launched a women’s magazine under CityBeat’s umbrella and eventually became Managing Editor about five years ago. You’ll never know a more determined, creative, brilliant, stubborn and amazing group of people than those who work at CityBeat now or who have ever worked here, from our founders to our freelancers to those who have moved on to other careers. This publication is an integral part of the community and the staffers here are committed to continuing and building upon the legacy CityBeat has built.
If you want to read the official press release from Euclid, it’s attached below:
Euclid Media Group Acquires Cincinnati Weekly, Cincinnati CityBeat
Cleveland-based company purchases multimedia property
Cincinnati, OH — Euclid Media Group, a media company headquartered in Cleveland, OH, announced today that it has purchased Cincinnati CityBeat, an award-winning Cincinnati alternative weekly publication, formerly owned by SouthComm Inc. Cincinnati CityBeat has served the Greater Cincinnati area since 1994 with cultural and political reporting, entertainment previews, food and drink reviews and events coverage.
Euclid Media Group anticipates ushering in fresh print, digital and event marketing strategies, and reports the appointment of Maija Zummo as editor in chief. Zummo formerly served as CityBeat’s managing editor. Previous to her time as managing editor, Zummo worked as associate editor of CityBeat from 2008 - 2010, and founded online retailer, Made in Cincinnati. Zummo has also founded A-Line Magazine and edited Her Cincinnati.
“I'm excited to build on the foundation we've created over many years and to grow CityBeat in the print, digital and event spaces, ” said publisher, Tony Frank, who will continue to manage the property. “We will stay true to our focus on the stories and people of Cincinnati. It’s business as usual for our team, with renewed energy and potential.”
The acquisition marks the eighth property for Euclid Media Group, whose multimedia portfolio includes the Cleveland Scene, Detroit Metro Times, Orlando Weekly, Riverfront Times, San Antonio Current, Out In SA and Out in STL. EMG orchestrated a merger of Detroit Metro Times and former alt-weekly, Real Detroit, in 2014.Each property publishes engaging content in print and online, and specializes in producing culturally unique events to highlight the cities in a variety of categories.
About Cincinnati CityBeat:
Cincinnati CityBeat was founded in 1994, covering Cincinnati’s independent local arts, culture and news. CityBeat serves its clients needs via digital, print, social and experience-based marketing solutions.
Each week, readers turn to Cincinnati CityBeat for award-winning journalism, powerful investigative reporting, news and commentary on local politics, and the most comprehensive arts and entertainment coverage in the Cincinnati area.
About the Euclid Media Group:
Euclid Media Group is a privately-held media company formed in 2013. EMG is focused on the multimedia production of relevant events and news coverage for the culturally-engaged consumer.
Euclid Media Group is operated by Chris Keating of Shaker Heights, OH; Michael Wagner, of San Antonio, TX; and Andrew Zelman of Cleveland, Ohio. For more info, visit euclidmediagroup.com.