Meredith Corporation, a name that once resonated deeply within the publishing and broadcasting landscape, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Understanding what “Meredith Corp owns” today requires navigating its complex history and the strategic shifts that have redefined its portfolio. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the assets previously held by Meredith, including its publishing legacy and broadcasting footprint, and explains how those assets are distributed following major acquisitions and divestitures.
The Publishing Powerhouse: A Look at Meredith’s Former Magazine Empire
For decades, Meredith Corporation was synonymous with iconic magazines. Its publishing arm, Meredith National Media Group, held an impressive collection of titles that touched on various aspects of American life, from home and garden to cooking and lifestyle. These magazines were staples in households across the country, influencing trends and shaping consumer behavior.
The Crown Jewels: Home and Lifestyle Titles
Meredith’s portfolio boasted some of the most recognizable names in the home and lifestyle category. Titles like “Better Homes & Gardens” were cornerstones of the company, offering inspiration and practical advice for homeowners. This magazine, in particular, held a special place in American culture, becoming a trusted source for decorating ideas, gardening tips, and recipes.
Other prominent titles included “Traditional Home,” “Luxury Home Quarterly,” “Midwest Living,” and “Wood.” These magazines catered to different segments of the home market, from high-end design enthusiasts to DIYers and woodworking aficionados. “Traditional Home,” for example, focused on classic design elements and elegant interiors, while “Wood” provided detailed instructions for woodworking projects.
The Culinary Kingdom: Meredith’s Food Magazines
Food was another area where Meredith excelled. Its collection of food-related magazines was extensive and influential. “EatingWell” was a leader in the health-conscious cooking space, emphasizing nutritious recipes and sustainable food practices. “Allrecipes” leveraged its online platform to create a magazine based on user-generated recipes and community engagement.
Furthermore, Meredith published “Food & Wine,” a sophisticated publication that celebrated culinary excellence and wine culture. This magazine was known for its high-quality photography, insightful articles, and its annual list of the best new chefs in America. The Meredith food portfolio also included special interest publications (SIPs) focused on specific cuisines, holiday dishes, and diet-specific recipes.
Lifestyle and Entertainment: Expanding the Reach
Beyond home and food, Meredith’s magazines covered a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment topics. “Shape” and “Fitness” catered to health-conscious individuals, providing workout routines, nutrition advice, and motivational stories. “Parents” and “Parents Latina” offered guidance and support to parents of young children.
These titles showcased Meredith’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and provide relevant content across various life stages. Meredith’s acquisition and subsequent management of these brands demonstrated a commitment to capturing a broad audience base.
The Dotdash Meredith Era: What Happened to These Beloved Magazines?
In 2021, a significant shift occurred when IAC’s Dotdash acquired Meredith Corporation’s publishing arm. This acquisition brought together a diverse portfolio of digital and print assets under the Dotdash Meredith umbrella. As a result, many of the magazines listed above are now owned and operated by Dotdash Meredith.
Dotdash Meredith has since embarked on a strategy to streamline its print operations, focusing on high-performing titles and investing in digital growth. Some magazines were discontinued, while others were consolidated or reimagined for the digital age. The landscape of magazine publishing continues to evolve, and Dotdash Meredith is playing a key role in shaping its future.
The Broadcasting Division: Meredith’s Television Stations
In addition to its publishing empire, Meredith Corporation had a substantial presence in the broadcasting industry. Meredith Local Media Group owned and operated a network of television stations across the United States, primarily affiliated with major networks like CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Reaching Communities: The Television Station Portfolio
Meredith’s television stations served diverse communities, providing local news, weather coverage, and entertainment programming. These stations were an integral part of their respective markets, connecting viewers to important information and fostering a sense of community.
Notable stations included KCTV (CBS) in Kansas City, Missouri; KPHO-TV (CBS) in Phoenix, Arizona; and WGCL-TV (CBS) in Atlanta, Georgia. These stations were known for their strong local news teams and their commitment to serving their viewers.
Other stations in the Meredith portfolio included those in markets such as Portland, Oregon; St. Louis, Missouri; and Nashville, Tennessee. Each station tailored its programming to the specific needs and interests of its local audience.
Gray Television’s Acquisition: The End of Meredith’s Broadcasting Era
In 2021, Gray Television acquired Meredith Corporation’s television stations. This acquisition marked the end of Meredith’s long-standing presence in the broadcasting industry. Gray Television is a leading broadcaster with a large portfolio of stations across the country.
As a result of this acquisition, the television stations that were once owned by Meredith are now part of the Gray Television network. This represents a significant shift in the ownership landscape of local television broadcasting.
Remaining Assets and the Future of Meredith
While Meredith Corporation no longer owns its magazine publishing arm or its television stations, the company still exists and holds specific assets and brands.
What Remains of Meredith?
Following the sale of its national media group and local media group, Meredith Corporation retains its focus on brand licensing. Meredith’s remaining business is primarily focused on licensing its brand names and content to third parties.
The primary area of focus for the “new” Meredith includes its licensing agreements. This entails permitting other companies to use the Meredith brand name for products and services. A good example is the Better Homes & Gardens brand. While the magazine is now owned by Dotdash Meredith, other products bearing the “Better Homes & Gardens” name, sold at retailers like Walmart, still fall under Meredith Corporation’s brand licensing agreements. These products can include anything from home décor to outdoor living items.
Brand Licensing and Strategic Partnerships
Meredith’s focus on brand licensing signifies a shift towards leveraging its established brand recognition and reputation in new ways. This strategy allows Meredith to generate revenue without the operational complexities of managing magazines or television stations.
Strategic partnerships are crucial to Meredith’s brand licensing strategy. By collaborating with reputable companies in various industries, Meredith can extend its brand reach and create new revenue streams.
The Evolving Media Landscape
The media industry is constantly evolving, and Meredith Corporation is adapting to these changes. The company’s focus on brand licensing reflects a broader trend of media companies diversifying their revenue streams and exploring new business models.
While the Meredith Corporation of today looks very different from the Meredith Corporation of the past, it remains a significant player in the media landscape through its strategic focus on brand licensing and partnerships. Its legacy of iconic magazines and influential television stations continues to resonate, even as the company navigates the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
The acquisition of Meredith’s publishing arm by Dotdash and its television stations by Gray Television marked a significant turning point in the company’s history. These transactions transformed Meredith from a diversified media conglomerate into a more focused company specializing in brand licensing and strategic partnerships.
While the names “Better Homes & Gardens” and “Parents” may conjure memories of Meredith’s magazine empire, it’s important to remember that these publications are now part of Dotdash Meredith. The remaining Meredith Corporation is focused on leveraging its brand equity through licensing agreements.
The brand licensing strategy allows Meredith to capitalize on the strong brand recognition and consumer trust it has built over decades. By licensing its brands to reputable partners, Meredith can generate revenue from a wide range of products and services. This approach is particularly appealing in today’s fragmented media landscape, where consumers have more choices than ever before.
The future of Meredith Corporation hinges on its ability to successfully execute its brand licensing strategy and forge strategic partnerships. While the company no longer owns its magazines or television stations, it retains valuable brand assets that can be leveraged for growth and profitability.
The evolution of Meredith Corporation provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing media companies in the digital age. As consumer behavior continues to shift, media companies must adapt their business models to remain competitive. Meredith’s focus on brand licensing represents one such adaptation.
The sale of Meredith’s publishing and broadcasting assets underscores the importance of strategic decision-making in the media industry. While these businesses were once core to Meredith’s identity, the company ultimately determined that they were more valuable in the hands of other owners.
The media landscape is constantly changing, and companies must be willing to make difficult decisions in order to thrive. Meredith’s transformation serves as a reminder that even iconic media brands are not immune to disruption.
The story of Meredith Corporation is a testament to the enduring power of brands. While magazines and television stations may come and go, strong brands can endure and generate value for years to come. Meredith’s focus on brand licensing reflects its recognition of this fundamental principle.
The media industry is undergoing a period of profound transformation, and the future is uncertain. However, companies that can adapt to change, embrace innovation, and leverage their strengths will be well-positioned to succeed. Meredith Corporation is striving to do just that.
Ultimately, what Meredith Corp owns today is the right to license its valuable brand names, and the expertise to manage and grow those brands through strategic partnerships.