National chain buys three Utah magazines
The publications serve millions each year with articles about food, design, weddings and other lifestyle interests.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Downtown Salt Lake City and its fashion, trends and dining are a focus of one magazine that just sold to a national publisher.
A national publishing company announced this week that it has acquired three Utah magazines.
Hour Media acquired Salt Lake, Utah Bride & Groom and Utah Style & Design magazines from Florida-based JES Media, Salt Lake Magazine stated on Tuesday.
Stefan Wanczyk, CEO of Michigan-based Hour Media, credited former publisher Margaret Mary Shuff, her late husband, John, and their employees with creating “excellent publications.”
The magazines serve a print and digital audience of millions with articles about food, home design, weddings and other interests, according to kits put together for advertisers:
Salt Lake has an annual print readership of 373,464 and reaches millions more through its website, social media feeds and newsletter. Utah Style & Design reaches more than 190,000 readers with each issue. Utah Bride & Groom has 35,124 print readers each year. The publications’ new owner and related companies publish in seven states and produce more than 150 magazines and custom titles, 40 websites and 70 shows and events.
Jeremy Pugh, editor in chief of Salt Lake magazine, said the move is “a win for our readers” and that his staff is on board. He also noted that they will be able to collaborate with other Hour Media titles across the country.
“We’re still kind of getting to know this company, but I know of them,” Pugh said. “They’re a large player in city-regional magazines.”
The company did not disclose how much Hour Media spent to buy the three publications.
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