By Adam Pagnucco.
MoCo360 owner Scott Copeland has sold the publication along with Bethesda Magazine to Today Media, a publishing company based in Wilmington, Delaware.
MoCo360 has published news of the sale on its website, along with corresponding staffing changes.
Today Media does not appear to specialize in hard journalism. Their portfolio includes:
Lifestyle Magazines
“Sought out by hundreds of thousands of readers each month, our lifestyle magazines are respected brand leaders in their markets. We deliver unique, local content that helps connect people with new restaurants, events, experiences, professional services and more.”
Examples include Delaware Today, Westchester, Main Line Today and Hudson Valley.
Digital
“Our digital channels offer tremendous flexibility and targetability to reach prospects through one of our branded platforms or directly to consumers anywhere in the country.”
Events
“We love events! Every year we produce, market and host live and virtual events that bring thousands of people together to learn, to sample and to celebrate.”
Business Publications
“Our award-winning business publications cover stories that matter the most to decision makers across each of our markets. Industry trends, legislative updates, economic forecasts and insights on multiple topics are covered in print and online.”
Examples include Delaware Business Times and 914 Inc.
Custom Publishing
“We love to tell a good story. Whether that’s with a one-off specialty publication celebrating a company’s anniversary, a branded healthcare magazine or regional tourism guide, we know how to write, design and produce compelling content.”
This appears to be PR material for organizations who pay for it.
Today Creative Studio
“Sharing your brand’s story isn’t always easy. Our in-house Creative Studio exists to give brands access to our talented editorial teams and content channels – and the chance to speak to our audience just like we do. We can also help craft your message for delivery across multiple platforms – whether under the Today Media umbrella or not. At the end of the day, we want to help you get your message into the minds of the right prospects and to be remembered.”
Again, this looks like PR work.
The sale occurs a year after what was once known as Bethesda Beat rebranded itself as MoCo360. At the time, the president of MoCo360’s parent company said, “What we want to be is an indispensable one source for people who live in this county and work in this county… Our purpose is to really utilize our platform as a way to strengthen this community, to really empower individuals. And we do this through trustworthy journalism. We’re covering the depths of this community and highlighting the diversity and all the voices that this community represents. That’s why we’re here.”
The president left less than two months later.
The big question now is this: given what Today Media does, what does this sale mean for hard journalism in Montgomery County?