The media industry has seen a whirlwind of acquisitions, consolidations, and rebranding efforts over the past decade. Among the most notable names in this shifting landscape is Meredith Corporation — a powerhouse in publishing and broadcasting. The question “Did Meredith get bought out?” is one that lingers among media watchers, content creators, and even consumers who are familiar with some of its long-standing publications like People, InStyle, and Better Homes & Gardens.
This article explores the full scope of Meredith’s journey, including the corporate maneuvering that led to its acquisition, the implications for employees and consumers, and what this means for the future of media in the United States.
Background: Who is Meredith Corporation?
Meredith Corporation was founded in 1902 by Edwin Meredith, a journalism professor at Iowa State University. Initially a publishing company focused on agricultural magazines, the company evolved over the decades into a leading media organization. By the early 2000s, Meredith had built a diversified portfolio that included:
- National magazines covering lifestyle, fashion, and home decor
- A substantial broadcasting arm with local television stations
- Digital publishing and brand licensing services
- Custom media solutions for advertisers and retailers
Meredith became synonymous with recognizable brands like Family Circle, Fitness, Cooking Light, and AllRecipes, which significantly increased its digital reach.
The Shift to Broadcasting and Syndicated Content
While Meredith is best known for its magazine empire, it was during the late 20th and early 21st centuries that the company solidified a foothold in television. Through strategic broadcasting acquisitions, the company built a robust group of local TV stations, becoming the owner of over 17 local stations nationwide.
The broadcasting division was a major player in syndicated content and news, creating a hybrid business model that blended traditional print, television, and digital media effectively.
The Evolution of Meredith’s Digital Footprint
Meredith’s rise as a digital media company was marked by its investment in digital assets.
In 2017, Meredith acquired Time Inc., publisher of influential titles like Time magazine and Sports Illustrated. This significantly bolstered Meredith’s digital audience to more than 180 million unique visitors monthly, making it one of the dominant forces in the publishing sector.
Meredith’s Acquisition: The Transformation That Followed
The short answer to the question “Did Meredith get bought out?” is yes — but with a twist. It’s not so simple as a traditional acquisition in the old sense.
The Role of Dotdash and IAC
In March 2021, it was announced that Dotdash — a digital media brand owned by IAC (which also owns popular platforms like Match Group and Vimeo) — would acquire Meredith’s National Media Group.
This acquisition was a landmark transaction valued at $2.7 billion and marked one of the most significant pivot points in media history. The National Media Group included key titles such as:
- People
- AllRecipes
- Health
- Shape
- Martha Stewart Living
- InStyle
While Dotdash acquired the National Media Group, Meredith itself still retained its television broadcasting division. However, this wasn’t the end of the transformation.
Sale of the Local TV Stations to Gray Television
In 2021, shortly after the Dotdash acquisition of the magazine division, Meredith announced the sale of its Local TV Group — which included 17 stations across the United States — to Gray Television for $2.8 billion.
The move allowed Meredith to streamline its operations and focus primarily on its magazine and brand licensing assets, but it also signaled a dramatic pivot in its corporate structure and mission.
The Rebranding: Meredith No More
After the sale and transition of its digital and broadcast assets, the remaining company was officially rebranded. Meredith Corporation ceased to exist under that name.
The broadcasting parent brand now known as Gray Television took over those assets, and the digital publishing arm is now a key part of Dotdash, which has since rebranded as Dotdash Meredith — a branding move meant to honor the legacy of the Meredith brand it now owns.
So while the name “Meredith” persists in some form through Dotdash Meredith, the original Meredith Corporation has been fully restructured and absorbed into other corporate entities.
Why Meredith Was Bought Out: The Business Rationale
The sale of Meredith wasn’t spontaneous — it was part of a broader shift in media ownership, a transition driven by changing consumer behaviors and monetization challenges facing traditional publishing.
Media Market Consolidation
The print publishing industry had long been struggling to adapt to the digital economy. Ad revenues declined, subscription rates fell, and brands scrambled to maintain relevance.
Mergers and acquisitions became a preferred way for companies to scale, reduce overhead, and diversify revenue streams.
The Dotdash acquisition of Meredith’s National Media Group was a strategic attempt to build a dominant digital media brand capable of competing with rivals like Hearst, Condé Nast, and BuzzFeed.
Dotdash’s Strategy Under IAC
Barry Diller, Chairman of IAC, had previously stated a vision to invest heavily in “the largest, most trusted service available on the internet.” Acquiring Meredith’s digital magazine group allowed Dotdash to leapfrog over many other competitors in reach and brand recognition.
In a news cycle dominated by social platforms and video, Dotdash Meredith now offers compelling, long-form, and highly search-optimized content across verticals like parenting, food, beauty, fitness, and pop culture.
The deal effectively transformed Dotdash into a true player in the digital media industry, with nearly 200 million monthly visitors across its platforms.
The Value of Legacy Audience
What made Meredith so attractive was its legacy audience across both print and digital channels. Despite the decline in print ad spend, the value of trusted, brand-name publishers remained high, especially for advertisers seeking quality environments for their content.
By acquiring titles like People and AllRecipes, Dotdash could secure a loyal readership base and cross-promote content with its own assets, such as Investopedia, The Motley Fool, and Verywell.
Impact on Employees and Publishers
Whenever a major media consolidation occurs, it raises concerns about job losses, editorial independence, and the overall health of the sector. Let’s examine those effects.
Employee Reactions and Restructuring
At the time of the acquisition, reports emerged about job cuts and internal uncertainty.
While precise figures are not public, the Dotdash-Meredith merger inevitably involved redundancies. Some departments in the digital and editorial arms were consolidated, and some longtime employees were laid off or reassigned.
Changes in Editorial Strategy
New ownership often leads to shifts in editorial direction or prioritization. For publishers like InStyle and Health, where brand reputation was built on high-profile contributors and lifestyle coverage, the new Dotdash leadership faced scrutiny.
The company promised editorial independence, but readers and partners noted some changes, especially in website navigation, content SEO strategy, and new monetization models. However, the editorial teams for major magazines like People continued to operate with a high level of autonomy post-sale.
Legacy Brand Challenges
For publishers used to working under a single brand umbrella for decades, the transition to a new digital-first parent company was both a challenge and an opportunity.
Legacy brands such as Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart Living brought authority but also a need for digital repositioning to meet the expectations of a younger, mobile-centric audience.
Effect on Consumers and Fans of Meredith Media
For readers, fans, and followers of Meredith publications, the changes meant navigating new URLs, different publishing schedules, and shifts in article tone. However, many core elements of these publications remained consistent.
Continuity vs. Change in Content
While the ownership changed, the publications did not immediately pivot to something completely different.
Readers of AllRecipes still enjoy a robust platform for sharing and searching recipes, while People continues its celebrity coverage with minor design and SEO tweaks.
New Revenue Models
What changed significantly behind the scenes were the advertising and content strategies. Ad formats evolved from traditional banners to native placements, and affiliate marketing became even more prevalent.
The shift toward optimized content for search engines (SEO) meant that content was more algorithm-driven and search intent-focused — in line with Dotdash’s strategy.
Expanded Multi-Platform Coverage
In terms of digital reach, the Dotdash acquisition allowed for significant re-launches of digital apps, video content, and podcast options. The People brand, for instance, saw a notable expansion in podcasting and YouTube video features.
Thus, for consumers, the change brought richer multimedia content and a greater digital presence, even if behind an altered corporate structure.
The Legal and Regulatory Angle
Any large-scale acquisition in the media industry is subject to regulatory scrutiny — especially where cross-ownership rules and content monopolies are involved.
FTC Review Process
The acquisition of the National Media Group by Dotdash went through a thorough review process by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other regulatory agencies.
The FTC typically investigates whether such deals reduce competition or result in unfair market advantages. In this case, the deal was allowed to proceed with minimal objections.
Antitrust Concerns
Unlike some conglomerate mergers (like those in the telecommunications sector), the Meredith-Dotdash deal didn’t raise major antitrust alarms. While it established Dotdash as a major media player, it did not present the same level of content dominance or audience control as a platform like Facebook or Google.
Still, privacy and cross-platform data concerns lingered in regulatory discussions, given Dotdash’s increased ownership of consumer-facing digital assets.
What’s Next After the Meredith Buyout?
With the original Meredith Corporation essentially gone — absorbed into Gray Television and Dotdash Meredith — the question becomes: Where do we go from here?
The Future of Dotdash Meredith
The new Dotdash Meredith has ambitions to continue expanding through strategic acquisitions, digital innovations, and international licensing deals.
The organization has emphasized profitability, audience engagement, and long-form content that serves specific niches — a model that may contrast with more mainstream or viral-focused media strategies.
What Happens to Traditional Media?
The Meredith buyout is indicative of a larger shift in the media industry. Traditional publishing, especially in print, continues to decline, while digital-first players grow.
This does not necessarily spell the end for print — rather, it accelerates the shift toward hybrid and digital models. Magazines like AllRecipes and People have robust print editions, but their revenue is increasingly driven by digital ad sales, subscriptions, and affiliate partnerships.
Potential for Further Merger Activity
The digital media landscape remains fragmented and subject to frequent consolidation. Rumors and reports suggest that Dotdash Meredith may not be done with acquisitions.
Potential targets include:
- Niche lifestyle brands
- Regional digital news outlets
- Affiliate-driven content sites in finance and wellness
As IAC continues to push Dotdash Meredith as a unified brand, future acquisitions could dramatically reshape the digital media sector.
Conclusion: Did Meredith Get Bought Out? The Last Word
In summary, the answer to “Did Meredith get bought out?” is a resounding yes — but the full picture reveals how and why it happened. The original Meredith Corporation, a century-old media institution, underwent a strategic sell-off of its major assets in the early 2020s. The magazine and digital publishing divisions were acquired by Dotdash (now known as Dotdash Meredith), while the entire Local TV Group was sold to Gray Television.
This realignment marked the end of the old Meredith Corporation and the beginning of a new media entity — or entities — operating under different business strategies and priorities. Consumers saw slight changes in interface and editorial output, while shareholders and partners benefited from lucrative exits and expanded reach.
The media ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, and transactions like these are a clear signal: convergence, digital transformation, and agile ownership structures are key themes of the future.
If you’re a fan of People magazine, a parent navigating Parents.com, or a cooking aficionado at AllRecipes, rest assured — the content is alive and adapting to modern tastes and technologies. For now, Dotdash Meredith carries the torch, rewriting the rules of digital publishing in a post-Meredith world.
What is the Meredith Corporation, and why is it significant in the media industry?
Meredith Corporation is a well-known American media company that has traditionally focused on magazine publishing, television broadcasting, and digital media. Founded in 1902, it became a household name through iconic publications such as People, InStyle, and Better Homes & Gardens. Over the years, the company expanded its reach via television stations and digital platforms, establishing itself as a key player in lifestyle and entertainment media.
Its prominence in the publishing world and strategic acquisitions made it a significant force in the evolving modern media landscape. The company played a crucial role in shaping mainstream media consumption for decades, particularly among women. As media consumption habits shifted toward digital formats, Meredith faced challenges adapting, which ultimately led to corporate restructuring and eventual acquisition rumors, drawing widespread industry attention.
Was Meredith Corporation bought out, and if so, by whom?
Yes, Meredith Corporation was bought out in a major media deal. In 2021, it was announced that Dotdash, a digital media company known for operating high-performing content sites like Investopedia, ThoughtCo, and Lifewire, would acquire Meredith’s National Media Group. This acquisition included Meredith’s iconic magazine titles and brand portfolio, marking a key shift in ownership and strategic direction for the legacy publisher.
The deal was finalized in early 2022 and is considered one of the most significant moves in the digital transformation of traditional publishing. As part of the purchase, Dotdash absorbed Meredith’s digital assets and refocused the publications under its own content-driven platform. This merger positioned Dotdash Meredith as a leading digital publisher in the U.S., combining the legacy of Meredith with Dotdash’s modern digital expertise.
What were the reasons behind Meredith’s acquisition by Dotdash?
Meredith faced mounting pressure from changing consumer habits, declining print advertising revenues, and a rapidly evolving digital media environment. Its reliance on traditional magazine publishing and television broadcasting had become financially unsustainable, prompting leadership to explore strategic options. Acquiring Meredith allowed Dotdash to exponentially expand its portfolio and audience reach, leveraging Meredith’s well-established brands to bolster its own influence in the sector.
By acquiring Meredith, Dotdash gained access to strong brand equity, extensive content archives, and a loyal readership base. The deal was viewed as a strategic move to outpace digital media competitors by combining Meredith’s legacy content with Dotdash’s efficient digital publishing model. The merger signified a trend in media where traditional publishing houses merge with or are acquired by scalable digital platforms seeking to dominate online content markets.
How did the acquisition affect Meredith’s employees and operations?
The acquisition had a significant impact on Meredith’s workforce. As part of the deal, Dotdash integrated Meredith’s digital assets into its existing structure. While some editorial staff and content creators were retained to manage the legacy titles, there were widespread layoffs as the new company streamlined operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency. These changes were part of a broader shift toward a leaner, digital-first publishing approach.
Meredith’s traditional publishing arm was scaled back in favor of digital optimization. Television operations under Meredith’s local station group remained separate under the ownership of Gray Television, which had acquired the broadcast division prior to the Dotdash deal. This meant that the buyout primarily affected editorial, content, and publishing divisions, with a focus on transforming Meredith’s legacy magazines into modern digital publications.
What happened to Meredith’s magazine titles after the acquisition?
After the acquisition, Meredith’s iconic magazine titles were rebranded under Dotdash Meredith. Titles such as People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, and Real Simple were retained but shifted toward a primarily digital model. Print editions of many publications were scaled back or converted to bi-monthly and quarterly formats, reflecting a broader industry trend toward digital-first media consumption.
The transition was accompanied by efforts to modernize the brands and expand their reach through digital syndication, video content, and enhanced SEO-driven strategies. Dotdash also implemented new monetization tactics, including performance marketing and affiliate-based revenue models, to increase profitability. These changes were aimed at making Meredith’s iconic brands more agile and better suited for digital audiences.
How did the Meredith acquisition impact the media industry?
The acquisition of Meredith by Dotdash marked a pivotal shift in the media industry, highlighting the continued dominance of digital platforms over traditional publishing. It underscored how legacy media companies are either adapting to digital formats or being absorbed by more agile competitors. The deal was seen as a bellwether for the future of magazine publishing, where brand strength, scale, and digital strategy are more valuable than print infrastructure.
Additionally, the acquisition fueled the consolidation of digital media companies seeking to expand through legacy brand acquisitions. Other major players closely watched the deal, anticipating how Dotdash would manage the integration and monetization of Meredith’s titles. By merging editorial heritage with digital efficiency, the acquisition set a precedent for similar mergers and acquisitions in the media sector.
What does the future hold for Dotdash Meredith in the evolving media landscape?
Going forward, Dotdash Meredith is expected to continue prioritizing digital growth, content diversification, and brand revitalization. The company aims to expand its footprint in lifestyle, entertainment, and sports content by leveraging the established audiences of Meredith’s legacy titles. It has also been investing in new verticals and partnerships to increase its digital reach and monetization potential.
The future landscape may also include increased AI-driven content optimization, data analytics integration, and cross-platform media strategies. Dotdash Meredith is likely to explore multimedia extensions such as podcasts, video series, and partnerships with streaming services. With its strong brand foundation and strategic digital focus, the company appears poised to remain a key player in the next phase of the evolving media industry.