Meredith Corporation

{{Short description|American media company (1902–2021)}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox company | name = Meredith Corporation | logo = Meredith Corporation.svg | logo_caption = Final logo used from 2009 to 2021 | type = Public | traded_as = {{NYSE was|MDP}} | industry = Media | founded = {{Start date and age|1902}} | founder = Edwin T. Meredith | fate = {{plainlist| * Acquired by IAC and merged with Dotdash to form Dotdash Meredith * Broadcast assets acquired by Gray Television }} | successors = {{ubl|People Inc.|Gray Media}} | defunct = {{End date and age|2021|12|1}} | location = Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. | key_people = {{ubl|Steve Lacy|(executive chairman)|Tom Harty|(president and CEO)}} | products = {{ubl|Newspapers|magazines|television stations|educational services|websites}} | revenue = {{decrease}} $810.5 million (FY December 2019) | net_income = {{decrease}} $37.8 million (FY December 2019) | assets = {{increase}} $6.727 billion (FY 2018) | equity = {{increase}} $1.097 billion (FY 2018) | num_employees = 7,915 (2018) | homepage = | footnotes = <ref name=10K>{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/65011/000006501118000107/fy18q4june10-k.htm | title=Meredith Corporation FY 2018 Form 10-K Annual Report | publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}}</ref> }} thumb|Meredith Corporation's logo used from 1979 to 2009 '''Meredith Corporation''' was an American media conglomerate based in Des Moines, Iowa, that owned newspapers, magazines, television stations, and websites. Its publications had a readership of more than 120 million and paid circulation of more than 40 million, its websites had nearly 135 million monthly unique visitors and its broadcast television stations reached 11% of U.S. households. Since 2021, Meredith was absorbed into the new conglomerate, Dotdash Meredith, underneath the holding company IAC Inc.<ref name=10K />

== History == === Early years === Edwin Thomas Meredith founded the company in 1902 when he began publishing ''Successful Farming'' magazine.<ref name=timeline>{{cite news | url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2015/09/08/timeline-meredith-corp-history/71898760/ | title=Timeline: Meredith Corp. history | work=The Des Moines Register | date=September 8, 2015 }}</ref>

In 1922, Meredith began publishing ''Fruit, Garden and Home'' magazine, a home and family service publication.<ref name=timeline /> In 1924, the magazine was retitled ''Better Homes and Gardens'',<ref name="10K" /><ref name="timeline" /> and the first issue cost a dime on the newsstand. In 1930, the company published the first edition of ''The Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book''. In 1946, the company became a public company.

In 1970, the company attempted to enter the entertainment industry by purchasing game show and film producer Ralph Andrews Productions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1970 |title=Meredith buys TV production firm |pages=52 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/70-OCR/1970-03-09-BC-OCR-Page-0052.pdf |access-date=October 8, 2023}}</ref> Two years later, it became MC Productions, and Ralph Andrews bought back rights to the game shows later that year, which resulted in a subsequent lawsuit in the late 1970s.<ref>{{Cite book |title=California. Court of Appeal (2nd Appellate District). Records and Briefs |date=February 17, 2016}}</ref> In 1973, Meredith teamed up with Avco Broadcasting to produce a series of nine prime-time television specials, which Avco Program Sales is syndicating, aimed for youth children.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 8, 1973 |title=Joint ventures |pages=31 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/73-OCR/1973-01-08-BC-OCR-Page-0031.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref>

In 1987, Meredith Corporation made a deal that they would purchase MMT Sales for $40 million, and would represent national advertising spot time on 60 stations across the entire US country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1987 |title=Meredith Agrees To Buy MMT Sales For $40,000,000 |page=37 |work=Variety}}</ref>

In 1994, Meredith and CBS struck an agreement to renew its Kansas City station and affiliate two of the Bay City and Phoenix stations with the network.<ref name="nyt94">"[https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/30/business/the-media-business-meredith-shifts-stations-to-cbs.html Meredith Shifts Stations to CBS]". ''The New York Times'', June 30, 1994; p6.</ref>

=== 2012–2021: Merger with Time Inc.; Gray/Dotdash sale === In March 2012, Meredith acquired allrecipes.com from Reader's Digest Association for $175 million.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-completes-acquisition-of-allrecipescom-from-readers-digest-141035343.html | title=Meredith Completes Acquisition of Allrecipes.com From Reader's Digest | publisher=PR Newswire | date=March 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Meredith to Buy AllRecipes.com | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203806504577180764239515638 | work=The Wall Street Journal | issn=0099-9660 | first=Ben Fox | last=Rubin | date=January 24, 2012 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> In February 2013, Meredith discussed buying an interest in Time Inc. from Time Warner.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-timewarner-timeinc-idUSBRE91C1CQ20130213|title=Time Warner in talks with Meredith on magazines: source|last=Lauria|first=Peter|date=February 13, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2013|work=Reuters}}</ref> Instead, Time Warner sold Time Inc. as a separate company.<ref name="Time Inc. Lays Out Restructuring">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/time-inc-lays-out-restructuring-7407860?src=nl/mornReport/20140205|title=Time Inc. Lays Out Restructuring|last=Steigrad|first=Alexandra|date=February 5, 2014|work=WWD|access-date=February 5, 2014}}</ref>

In October 2014, Meredith announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia of the rights to ''Martha Stewart Living'' and '' Martha Stewart Weddings'' magazines and to the marthastewart.com website.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Martha Stewart's Magazines to Outsource Business Side to Meredith | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/business/media/martha-stewarts-magazines-to-outsource-business-side-to-meredith.html |first=Christine | last=Haughney | work=The New York Times | date=October 15, 2014 | issn=0362-4331 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Martha Stewart Magazines to Be Licensed to Meredith Corp. | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/martha-stewart-magazines-to-be-licensed-to-meredith-corp-1413403814 | first = Jeffrey A. | last=Trachtenberg | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=October 15, 2014 | issn=0099-9660 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In November 2014, Meredith acquired mywedding.com.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-adds-to-growing-presence-in-wedding-marketplace-with-acquisition-of-rapidly-growing-myweddingcom-brand-282948331.html | title=Meredith Adds To Growing Presence In Wedding Marketplace With Acquisition Of Rapidly Growing Mywedding.com Brand | publisher=PR Newswire | date=November 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/meredith-buys-mywedding-com/ | title=Meredith Buys Mywedding.com | first=Chris | last=O'Shea | work=AdWeek | date=November 17, 2014}}</ref>

In January 2015, the company acquired Selectable Media.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-expands-digital-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-selectable-media-300016426.html | title=Meredith Expands Digital Capabilities With Acquisition Of Selectable Media | publisher=PR Newswire | date=January 6, 2015}}</ref> Also in January 2015, Meredith acquired ''Shape'', ''Natural Health,'' and ''Fit Pregnancy'' magazines from American Media Inc. Meredith's ''Fitness'' magazine was folded into ''Shape'', while both magazines' websites continued to operate separately.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Bill | last = Mickey | title = Meredith Buys Shape from AMI for $60 Million| work = Folio | date = January 28, 2015| url = http://www.foliomag.com/2015/meredith-buys-shape-ami-60-million/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150310204410/http://www.foliomag.com/2015/meredith-buys-shape-ami-60-million/| archive-date = March 10, 2015 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 20, 2024 }}</ref>

On September 8, 2015, Media General announced its intent to acquire Meredith in a cash and stock deal valued at $2.4 billion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/media-general-acquire-meredith-820893|title=Media General to Acquire Meredith Corp. in $2.4B Deal to Create TV Station Giant|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 8, 2015|language=en|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> Pending regulatory and shareholder approval, the deal was expected to be consummated in June 2016.<ref name=":0" /> The combined company would have operated under the name Meredith Media General, and be the third-largest owner of television stations in the United States—serving an estimated 30% of households.<ref name=":0" /> To comply with FCC ownership limits, the company would have divested and/or swapped stations in six markets.<ref name=":0" /> Media General shareholders would have controlled 65% of the company, with Meredith shareholders holding 35%.<ref name="wsj-meredithmg">{{cite news|title=Media General to Buy Meredith Corp. for $2.4 Billion|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/media-general-to-buy-meredith-corp-for-2-4-billion-1441709372|access-date=September 8, 2015|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 8, 2015}}</ref> However, the offer was countered by Nexstar Broadcasting Group, who made a successful, $4.6 billion bid to acquire Media General instead.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/fcc-approves-nexstar-4-6b-acquisition-media-general-1201883297/|title=FCC Approves Nexstar's $4.6B Acquisition Of Media General|last=Lieberman|first=David|date=January 11, 2017|work=Deadline|access-date=April 21, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2017, it was reported that Meredith and a group of investors led by Edgar Bronfman Jr. were considering another possible purchase of Time Inc.<ref>{{cite news| last=A. Trachtenberg| first=Jeffrey | date=February 7, 2017| title=Meredith, Bronfman Move Forward in Effort to Acquire Time Inc. | newspaper =The Wall Street Journal| url =https://www.wsj.com/articles/meredith-bronfman-move-forward-in-their-pursuit-of-time-inc-1486514427?tesla=y| access-date =February 8, 2017}}</ref> On November 26, 2017, it was announced that Meredith Corporation would acquire Time Inc. in a $2.8 billion deal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/11/meredith-acquires-time-inc-in-usd-2-8-billion-deal.html|title=Meredith, Backed by Koch Brothers, Acquires Time Inc. for $2.8 Billion|last=Danner|first=Chas|date=November 26, 2017|website=Intelligencer|language=en-us|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> $640 million in backing was provided by Koch Equity Development, but the Koch family would not have a board seat or otherwise influence the company's operations.<ref name="Variety 2017">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/biz/news/meredith-corp-time-inc-acquisition-merger-koch-brothers-1202623214/|title=Meredith Corp. Acquires Time Inc. in $2.8 Billion Koch Brothers-Backed Deal|last1=Nyren|first1=Erin|last2=Littleton|first2=Cynthia|date=November 26, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref><ref name="NYT 2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/26/business/dealbook/time-inc-meredith-corporation-koch-brothers.html|title=Time Inc. Sells Itself to Meredith Corp., Backed by Koch Brothers|last1=Ember|first1=Sydney|last2=Ross|first2=Andrew|work=The New York Times|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref>

On January 9, 2018, it was announced that Meredith would launch a ''Hungry Girl'' magazine on January 16, expanding from the online brand.<ref name=dm-register>{{cite news |last=Hardy |first=Kevin |date=January 9, 2018 |title=Meredith launches new Hungry Girl magazine |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2018/01/09/meredith-launches-new-hungry-girl-magazine/1016647001/ | work=Des Moines Register |access-date=January 15, 2018}}</ref>

On January 31, 2018, the company completed the acquisition of Time Inc.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-corporation-announces-completion-of-time-inc-acquisition-and-reports-fiscal-2018-second-quarter-and-first-half-results-300591270.html | title=Meredith Corporation Announces Completion Of Time Inc. Acquisition And Reports Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter And First Half Results | publisher=PR Newswire | date=January 31, 2018}}</ref><ref name="wwd">{{cite journal |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/media/time-inc-first-day-meredith-corp-more-changes-to-come-11134819/ |title=Time Inc., Now Meredith and More Changes to Come |date=February 1, 2018 |last=Hays |first=Kali |journal=Women's Wear Daily |access-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref><ref name="itsover">{{cite journal |url=https://www.cjr.org/business_of_news/time-inc-meredith.php |title=Who killed Time Inc.? |journal=Columbia Journalism Review |last=Gold |first=Howard R. |date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, only six weeks after the closure of the deal, Meredith announced that it would lay off 200 employees, up to 1,000 more over the next 10 months, and explore the sale of ''Fortune'', ''Money'', ''Sports Illustrated'', and ''Time''. Meredith felt that, despite their "strong consumer reach", these brands did not align with its core lifestyle properties.<ref name=vty>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/meredith-layoffs-1200-time-inc-magazine-sale-time-si-fortune-money-1202732892/ |title=Meredith Laying Off 1,200, Will Explore Sale of Time, SI, Fortune and Money Brands |last=Spangler|first=Todd |date=March 21, 2018 |work=Variety |access-date=May 17, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426083104/https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/meredith-layoffs-1200-time-inc-magazine-sale-time-si-fortune-money-1202732892/ |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Howard Milstein had announced on February 7, 2018, that he would acquire ''Golf Magazine'' from Meredith,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2018/02/07/banker-shells-out-big-bucks-to-buy-golf-magazine/|title=Banker shells out big bucks to buy Golf Magazine|date=February 8, 2018|work=New York Post|access-date=March 22, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> and Time Inc. UK was sold to the British private equity group Epiris (later rebranded to TI Media) in late February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/26/marie-claire-publisher-time-inc-uk-sold-epiris|title=Marie Claire publisher Time Inc UK sold to private equity group|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=February 26, 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=March 22, 2018}}</ref> In September 2018, Meredith announced the sale of ''Time'' to Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne for $190 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/16/marc-and-lynne-benioff-will-buy-times-magazine-from-meredith-for-190m/|title=Marc and Lynne Benioff will buy Times magazine from Meredith for $190M|work=TechCrunch|access-date=September 17, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2018, Meredith announced the sale of ''Fortune'' to Thai businessman Chatchaval Jiaravanon, whose family owns Charoen Pokphand, for $150 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://fortune.com/2018/11/09/fortune-sale-chatchaval-jiaravanon/ | title=FORTUNE Sells to Thai Businessman for $150 Million | first=ANDREW | last=NUSCA | work=Fortune | date=November 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/09/business/dealbook/fortune-magazine-sold.html | title=Fortune Magazine Sold to Thai Businessman for $150 Million | first1=Christine | last1=Hauser | first2=Edmund | last2=Lee | work=The New York Times | date=November 9, 2018}}</ref> After failing to find a buyer for ''Money'', Meredith in April 2019 announced that it would cease the magazine's print publication as of July 2019, but would invest in the brand's digital component Money.com.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/money-magazine-no-longer-for-sale-going-digital-only/|title=Money Magazine Is No Longer for Sale, and It's Going Digital Only|website=www.adweek.com|date=April 17, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=April 26, 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, Meredith announced the sale of ''Sports Illustrated'' to Authentic Brands Group, for $110 million.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://ir.meredith.com/news-releases/press-release-details/2019/Meredith-Corporation-Announces-Sale-of-Sports-Illustrated-to-ABG-for-110-million/default.aspx| title=Meredith Corporation Announces Sale of Sports Illustrated to ABG for $110 million| date=May 27, 2019| archive-date=June 28, 2022| access-date=May 28, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628131606/https://ir.meredith.com/news-releases/press-release-details/2019/Meredith-Corporation-Announces-Sale-of-Sports-Illustrated-to-ABG-for-110-million/default.aspx| url-status=dead}}</ref>

Time Inc. Productions was renamed Four M Studios in May 2018. The studio is under Bruce Gersh, Meredith's president of ''People'', ''Entertainment Weekly'', and ''People en Español'' and head of Four M Studios.<ref name="vty0">{{cite news |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=Time Inc. Productions Rebrands as Four M Studios (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/time-inc-productions-rebrands-as-four-m-studios-exclusive-1202811147/ |access-date=November 9, 2018 |work=Variety |date=May 15, 2018}}</ref>

In October 2019, Meredith Corporation sold the ''Money'' brand and website to Ad Practitioners LLC, a media and advertising company based in Puerto Rico.<ref name="money">{{Cite web|url=https://www.foliomag.com/meredith-sells-money-magazine-brand-nearly-two-years-time-inc-acquisition/|title=Meredith Sells Money Magazine Brand, Nearly Two Years After Time Inc. Merger|date=October 22, 2019|website=Folio|language=en-US|access-date=October 23, 2019}}</ref> Terms were not disclosed, but sources said the brand went for just over $20 million, that was more than the $10 million Meredith was seeking in early 2019.<ref name="money purchase">{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/10/22/meredith-sells-money-com-to-former-google-executives-startup/|title=Meredith sells Money.com to former Google exec's startup|date=October 22, 2019|website=New York Post|language=en-US|access-date=October 23, 2019}}</ref>

In November 2019 the company unloaded one more asset acquired in the Time Inc. acquisition, its 60% equity ownership of digital advertising company Viant Technology Holding Inc. that, among other assets, owns social networking site Myspace.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2019/11/04/meredith-corporation-sells-equity-myspace-owner-viant/4161015002/|title=Meredith Corporation sells stake in MySpace owner|last=Jett|first=Tyler|website=Des Moines Register|language=en|access-date=November 22, 2019}}</ref> Also in November 2019, the company announced the launch of a new quarterly magazine, called ''Reveal,'' in January 2020 in collaboration with Drew and Jonathan Scott from HGTV's ''Property Brothers''.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-corporation-and-drew-and-jonathan-scott-of-hgtvs-property-brothers-name-new-magazine-reveal-300962151.html|title=Meredith Corporation And Drew And Jonathan Scott Of HGTV's Property Brothers Name New Magazine, Reveal|last=Corporation|first=Meredith|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|access-date=November 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/property-brothers-stars-drew-and-jonathan-scott-name-new-meredith-magazine-reveal/|title='Property Brothers' Stars Drew and Jonathan Scott Name New Meredith Magazine 'Reveal'|date=November 20, 2019|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2020}}</ref>

On May 3, 2021, Meredith announced an agreement with Gray Television for the latter to acquire Meredith's television division. The transaction will be structured as a spin-off of a new (short-lived) Meredith Corporation, containing the magazines division, to existing shareholders, to be immediately followed by the old Meredith (by then consisting solely of its TV stations group) being acquired by Gray for $2.7 billion in cash.<ref>{{cite web|title= Gray Television to Acquire Meredith TV Stations for $2.7 Billion |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/gray-television-to-acquire-meredith-tv-stations-for-2-7-billion-1234964898/ |author=Cynthia Littleton |website=Variety |date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>

Later that year, on October 6, Meredith announced an agreement whereby the company's remaining magazine and other non-broadcast assets would be acquired by IAC's Dotdash for $2.7 billion, forming a new entity called Dotdash Meredith.<ref name="dotdash-announcement">{{Cite web|title=IAC's Dotdash to Acquire Meredith Corporation's National Media Group|url=https://meredith.mediaroom.com/news-releases?item=137620|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=Meredith Corporation MediaRoom|language=en}}</ref>

On November 15, Meredith announced it received regulatory approvals for both the Gray and IAC transactions.<ref>[https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pending-meredith-acquisitions-by-gray-and-iacs-dotdash-receive-regulatory-approvals-301424040.html "Pending Meredith Acquisitions By Gray And IAC's Dotdash Receive Regulatory Approvals"], prnewswire.com, November 15, 2021, Retrieved November 17, 2021.</ref> Both deals were completed on December 1.<ref>[https://graytv.gcs-web.com/static-files/2e326758-5269-4d26-a961-cf70fffe9981 "Gray Television Closes On Acquisition of Meredith Corporation's Local Media Group"], Gray Television, December 1, 2021, Retrieved December 1, 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.iac.com/press-releases/iacs-dotdash-announces-close-of-meredith-transaction "IAC's Dotdash Announces Close of Meredith Transaction"], IAC, December 1, 2021, Retrieved December 1, 2021.</ref> On February 9, 2022, it was revealed that six former Meredith Corporation magazines (''Entertainment Weekly, InStyle, EatingWell, Health, Parents'' and ''People en Espanol'') will cease having print circulation and switch to a digital-only format.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/barry-dillers-media-group-pulls-plug-on-6-print-magazines-including-instyle-and-entertainment-weekly-11644424320|title=Barry Diller's Media Group Ends Print Versions of InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, Others|first=Alexandra|last=Bruell|publisher=Wall Street Journal|date=February 9, 2022|accessdate=May 10, 2022}}</ref>

== Divisions == === National media ===

==== Magazines ==== Meredith magazines include the following brands: {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * ''25 Beautiful Homes'' * ''Ageless Iron'' * ''Allrecipes Magazine'' * ''American Baby'' * ''American Patchwork & Quilting'' * ''Better Homes and Gardens''<ref name=vty /> * ''Country Life'' * ''Diabetic Living'' * ''Do-It-Yourself'' * ''Eat This, Not That'' * ''EatingWell'' * ''Entertainment Weekly'' (from Time Inc.)<ref name=vty /> * ''Every Day with Rachael Ray'' * ''FamilyFun'' * ''Fitness'' * ''Food & Wine'' * ''Health'' * ''InStyle'' (from Time Inc.)<ref name=vty /> * ''Living the Country Life'' * ''Midwest Living'' * ''Parents''<ref name=vty /> (and ''Ser Padres'') * ''People'' (from Time Inc.)<ref name=vty /> * ''Practical Boat Owner'' * ''Real Simple'' (from Time Inc.)<ref name=vty /> * ''Shape'' * ''Siempre Mujer'' * ''Southern Living'' * ''Successful Farming'' * ''Travel + Leisure'' (from Time Inc.)<ref name=vty /> * ''Wood'' {{div col end}}

Defunct magazines include

* ''Family Circle''<ref name=vty2>{{cite news |last1=Dale |first1=Martin |title=Emilio Alcalde, Krishna Mahon, A+E Networks Latin America, on Brazil's Pay TV Market |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/global/emilio-alcalde-krishna-mahon-ae-ole-networks-brazil-on-brazils-pay-tv-market-1201315118/ |access-date=February 13, 2019 |work=Variety |date=September 28, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Ladies' Home Journal'' *''Money'' (from Time Inc.)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/2019/10/22/meredith-corp-sells-money-website-puerto-rico-media-and-ad-company/2451269001/|title=Meredith Corp. sells Money website to Puerto Rico media and advertising company|last=Porter|first=Sierra|website=Des Moines Register|language=en|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> *''More''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2016/02/26/meredith-ceasing-more-magazine-publication/80978522/|title=Meredith ceasing More magazine publication|last=Patane|first=Matthew|website=Des Moines Register|language=en|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> *''Readymade'' *''Scrapbooks Etc.'' * ''Traditional Home''

==== Digital media ==== * Allrecipes.com<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ir.meredith.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=653206|title=Meredith Completes Acquisition of Allrecipes.com From Reader's Digest|date=March 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128132831/http://ir.meredith.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=653206|archive-date=January 28, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2015}}</ref> * mywedding.com<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ir.meredith.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=883401|title=Meredith Adds To Growing Presence In Wedding Marketplace With Acquisition Of Rapidly Growing Mywedding.com Brand|date=November 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912190819/http://ir.meredith.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=883401|archive-date=September 12, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2015}}</ref>

=== Local media === The broadcasting division owned 15 television stations. Most of the company's stations were affiliated with CBS or Fox. Meredith's broadcasting division also produced ''Better'' from 2007 until 2015, which was originally conceived as a brand extension of ''BH&G''. Since its inception in 2007 the show has placed an increasing emphasis on celebrity interviews and music performances. There were also cooking demonstrations and regular features on health, beauty, fitness and fashion. Local versions of the concept continue to air on Meredith stations.<ref name="TVWeekMeredith">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/01/meredith_speeds_up_better_roll.php|last=Pursell|first=Chris|date=January 2008|title=Meredith Speeds Up 'Better' Rollout|publisher=TV Week|access-date=January 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715075717/http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/01/meredith_speeds_up_better_roll.php|archive-date=July 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On December 23, 2013, Meredith announced plans to buy St. Louis CBS affiliate KMOV and Phoenix independent station KTVK for $407.5 million in cash from Gannett Company and Sander Media, LLC to satisfy a federal mandate that Gannett sell KMOV.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meredith-to-expand-tv-portfolio-with-deal-to-add-stations-in-phoenix-st-louis-237020911.html | title=Meredith to Expand TV Portfolio with Deal to Add Stations in Phoenix, St. Louis | publisher=PR Newswire | date=December 23, 2013}}</ref>{{Third-party inline|date=August 2020}} The purchase of KMOV was completed on February 28, 2014,<ref name=slpd-kmovmeredithcomplete>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Lisa|title=Meredith Corp. closes on $177 million purchase of KMOV|url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/meredith-corp-closes-on-million-purchase-of-kmov/article_a03f725d-4d48-5dc8-8374-0d6287fdcc1b.html|access-date=February 28, 2014|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=February 28, 2014}}</ref> while the KTVK sale was completed on June 19.<ref>[http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/77182/gannettsander-complete-phoenix-sale Gannett-Sander Complete Phoenix Sale], ''TVNewsCheck'', Retrieved June 19, 2014.</ref>

Meredith also struck deals to acquire ABC affiliate WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts from Gormally Broadcasting for $53.8 million<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/meredith-acquire-wggb-springfield-mass/131871|title=Meredith to Acquire WGGB Springfield, Mass.|last=Malone|first=Michael|date=June 19, 2014|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=September 9, 2014}}</ref> and Fox affiliate WALA in Mobile, Alabama from LIN Media for $86 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/78615/media-general-lin-sell-stations-in-5-markets|title=Media General, LIN Sell Stations In 5 Markets|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=August 20, 2014}}</ref>

The Local Media Division was sold to Gray Television on December 1, 2021.<ref name=meredithdone>{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/12/01/2344524/0/en/GRAY-TELEVISION-CLOSES-ON-ACQUISITION-OF-MEREDITH-CORPORATION-S-LOCAL-MEDIA-GROUP.html |title=Gray Television Closes on Acquisition of Meredith Corporation's Local Media Group |agency=Globe Newswire |publisher=Gray Television |date=December 1, 2021}}</ref>

== Final stations == * Stations are arranged in alphabetical order by state and city of license. * Two boldface asterisks appearing following a station's call letters ('''**''') indicate a station built and signed on by Meredith.

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Stations owned by the Meredith Corporation ! scope="col" | Media market ! scope="col" | State ! scope="col" | Station ! scope="col" | Purchased ! scope="col" | Sold ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes |- | Mobile || Alabama ! scope="row" | WALA-TV | 2014 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="4" | Phoenix || rowspan="4" | Arizona ! scope="row" | KASW | 2014 || 2014 || |- ! scope="row" | KPHO | 1952 || 1972 || |- ! scope="row" | KPHO-TV | 1952 || 2021 || |- ! scope="row" | KTVK | 2014 || 2021 || |- | Fresno || California ! scope="row" | KSEE | 1984 || 1993 || |- | Hartford–New Haven || Connecticut ! scope="row" | WFSB | 1997 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="2" | Orlando || rowspan="3" | Florida

! scope="row" | WCPX-TV | 1997 || 1997 || {{efn|Acquired from First Media,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1997/01/25/meredith-to-purchase-channel-6/|title=Meredith To Purchase Channel 6|date=January 25, 1997 }}</ref> then traded to Post-Newsweek Stations for WFSB.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2, 1997|title=Meredith trades for Connecticut TV station|url=http://apnews.com/article/a4c7637daa7e6acd9de4a3e537ffc97a/|access-date=August 13, 2021|website=AP|language=en-US|archive-date=August 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810192802/https://apnews.com/article/a4c7637daa7e6acd9de4a3e537ffc97a/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} |- ! scope="row" | WOFL | 1983 || 2002 || |- | Ocala–Gainesville ! scope="row" | WOGX | 1996 || 2002 || {{efn-ua|Semi-satellite of WOFL.}} |- | rowspan="2" | Atlanta || rowspan="2" | Georgia ! scope="row" | WGCL-TV | 1999 || 2021 || {{Efn|Known as WGNX prior to 2000.}} |- ! scope="row" | WPCH-TV | 2017 || 2021 || {{efn|Owned by Turner Broadcasting System and operated by Meredith from 2011 to 2017.<ref name="ajc-meredithcontrol">{{cite news|last=Swartz|first=Kristi E.|date=January 18, 2011|title=Parent of CBS Atlanta to take over operations of Peachtree TV|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url=https://www.ajc.com/business/parent-cbs-atlanta-take-over-operations-peachtree/WtDMbIWYqtjYeFUlenf1UI/|access-date=January 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Rodney Ho|date=February 23, 2017|title=Meredith purchases Peachtree TV from Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/meredith-purchases-peachtree-from-time-warner-turner-broadcasting-system/JGNY1b0fNQfkKagSRNf9wM/|access-date=February 25, 2017}}</ref>}} |- | rowspan="2" | Springfield || rowspan="2" | Massachusetts ! scope="row" | WGGB-TV | 2014 || 2021 || |- ! scope="row" | WSHM-LD | 2004 || 2021 || {{efn-ua|Semi-satellite of WFSB.}} |- | rowspan="2" | Bay City–Flint–Saginaw || rowspan="2" | Michigan

! scope="row" | WNEM | 2004 || 2013 || |- ! scope="row" | WNEM-TV | 1969 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="4" | Kansas City || rowspan="5" | Missouri ! scope="row" | KCMO | 1953 || 1983 || |- ! scope="row" | KCMO-FM | 1953 || 1983 || |- ! scope="row" | KCTV | 1953 || 2021 || {{Efn|Known as KCMO-TV from 1953 to 1983.}} |- ! scope="row" | KSMO-TV | 2005 || 2021 || |- | St. Louis ! scope="row" | KMOV | 2014 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="3" | Omaha || rowspan="3" | Nebraska ! scope="row" | WOW | 1951 || 1983 || |- ! scope="row" | WOW-FM | 1951 || 1983 || |- ! scope="row" | WOW-TV | 1951 || 1975 || |- | Las Vegas || Nevada ! scope="row" | KVVU-TV | 1985 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="2" | Syracuse || rowspan="2" | New York ! scope="row" | WHEN | 1954 || 1976 || |- ! scope="row" | WTVH ** | 1948 || 1993 || {{Efn|Known as WHEN-TV from 1948 until 1976.}} |- | rowspan="2" | Portland || rowspan="4" | Oregon ! scope="row" | KPDX | 1997 || 2021 || |- ! scope="row" | KPTV | 2002 || 2021 || |- | rowspan="2" | Bend ! scope="row" | KFXO-LD | 1997 || 2007 || |- ! scope="row" | KUBN-LD | 2006 || 2021 || {{efn-ua|Semi-satellite of KPDX.}} |- | Pittsburgh || Pennsylvania ! scope="row" | WPGH-TV | 1978 || 1986 || |- | Greenville || South Carolina ! scope="row" | WHNS | 1997 || 2021 || |- | Chattanooga || rowspan="2" | Tennessee ! scope="row" | WFLI-TV | 2004 || 2008 || |- | Nashville ! scope="row" | WSMV-TV | 1995 || 2021 || |- | Seattle–Tacoma || Washington ! scope="row" | KCPQ | 1998 || 1999 || {{efn|Acquired solely to be traded to Tribune Broadcasting for WGNX.<ref>{{cite news|title=Meredith to buy WGNX in station exchange|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/1998/08/24/daily2.html|newspaper=Atlanta Business Chronicle|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=August 24, 1998|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809081300/https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/1998/08/24/daily2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} |} {{notelist}} {{notelist-ua}}

== Four M Studios == '''Four M Studios''' ('''Four M'''), formerly '''Time Inc. Productions''', is Meredith's in-house production company and is under the oversight of Bruce Gersh, Meredith's president of People, Entertainment Weekly and People en Español.<ref name=vty0 />

After attempting a few TV shows in 2014 and 2015, the company formed Time Inc. Productions in 2016 as its in-house production company.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Applefeld Olson |first1=Cathy |title=At Time Inc. Productions, It's All About the Brands – Cynopsis Media |url=https://www.cynopsis.com/cyncity/at-time-inc-productions-its-all-about-the-brand/ |access-date=November 9, 2018 |work=Cynopsis Media |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> It launched its free, ad-supported online video service PeopleTV in 2016, which got a pay TV deal by May 2018 with FuboTV. In November 2017, it launched its first over-the-top subscription service, Sports Illustrated TV, available via Amazon Channels.<ref name=vty0 /> On October 30, 2017, it announced that Paramount Network was partnering with it on two TV pilots.<ref name="tvwk">{{cite news |title=Paramount Network, Time Inc. Productions Announce Collaboration |url=https://www.tvweek.com/tvbizwire/2017/10/paramount-network-time-inc-productions-announce-collaboration/ |access-date=November 9, 2018 |work=TVWeek |date=October 30, 2017}}</ref>

Time Inc. Productions was renamed Four M Studios in May 2018. Four M would expand from the Time titles to all Meredith titles and to freestanding lifestyle shows and scripted shows. Four M also announced at that time a deal with Freeform TV channel to develop Meredith magazine stories, including ''People'''s "Heroes Among Us" franchise, into telefilms.<ref name=vty0 />

Four M Studios partnered with Imagine Entertainment's Imagine Kids & Family division. Its first project from the partnership is ''LIFE for Kids'', a children's TV show using LIFE Magazine's photo archive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sippell |first1=Margeaux |title=TV Roundup: Syfy Drops First Trailer for Season 2 of 'Happy!' |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/tv-roundup-season-2-happy-syfy-1203109821/ |access-date=September 23, 2019 |work=Variety |date=January 16, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Production library === :'''Time Inc. Productions''' *''People Magazine Investigates'' (Investigation Discovery)<ref name=vty /> *''The Mars Generation'' (Netflix) <ref name="thr" /> *''The Making of SI Swimsuit 2017'' (DirecTV Now)<ref name="thr" /> *''Puppy Bowl: Where Are They Now'' (Animal Planet)<ref name="thr" /> *''The Story of Diana'' (ABC) 2017 documentary miniseries, 2 nights 2 hours each<ref name="thr">{{cite news |last1=Stanhope |first1=Kate |title=Princess Diana Documentary in the Works at ABC |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/princess-diana-documentary-abc-975180 |access-date=November 9, 2018 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 13, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> *''A Year in Space'' (PBS) Emmy-winning<ref name=vty0 /> *''Cultureshock'' (A&E) pop culture docuseries from Entertainment Weekly<ref name="rsrn">{{cite news |last1=Alcinii |first1=Daniele |title=Bruce Gersh on Four M Studios' unscripted strategy |url=https://realscreen.com/2018/08/09/bruce-gersh-on-four-m-studios-unscripted-strategy/ |access-date=November 10, 2018 |work=Realscreen |date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> *''89 Blocks'' (Fox) East St. Louis high school football team documentary from ''Sports Illustrated'', which was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award<ref name="rsrn" /> :'''Time Inc. Productions'''/'''Four M Studios''' *''Sports Illustrated: True Crime'' pilot working title (Paramount Network) Jerry Bruckheimer TV<ref name="tvwk" /> *''Entertainment Weekly: The Bullseye'' pilot (Paramount Network) Conveyor Media<ref name="tvwk" /> :'''Four M Studios'''<ref name=vty0 /> *''Home'' (Apple) 10 one-hour episodes<ref name="rsrn" /> *''People Magazine Investigates: Cults'' (Investigation Discovery) *''People Magazine Investigates: Crimes of Fashion'' (Investigation Discovery) *''The Story of the Royals'' (ABC) documentary miniseries

== See also == {{Portal|Companies}} *New Media Strategies *List of United States magazines

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * {{cite book |isbn = 978-0-696-21668-8 |last = Brown |first = Kathi Ann |title = Meredith: the first 100 years |year = 2002 |publisher = Meredith Books }} * {{cite book |last = Pendergast |first = Sara |title = International Directory of Company Histories |chapter = Meredith Corporation |year = 2006 |access-date = May 13, 2018 |chapter-url = https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/meredith-corp#1G23445100061 |via = Encyclopedia.com }}

== External links == {{Commons category}} *[https://www.agriculture.com/ Agriculture.com] – portal by Successful Farming *[https://www.bhg.com/ Better Homes and Gardens main website]

{{IAC}} {{Gray TV}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Meredith Corporation Category:Gray Media Category:IAC Inc. Category:Defunct publishing companies of the United States Category:Defunct broadcasting companies of the United States Category:Defunct radio broadcasting companies of the United States Category:Defunct television broadcasting companies of the United States Category:Defunct mass media companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Des Moines, Iowa Category:Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange Category:Defunct companies based in Iowa Category:Mass media in Des Moines, Iowa Category:American companies established in 1902 Category:Publishing companies established in 1902 Category:Mass media companies disestablished in 2021 Category:1902 establishments in Iowa Category:2021 disestablishments in Iowa Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions