SouthComm: A History of Media Acquisition and Strategic Pivot
Founded in late 2007, SouthComm entered the media landscape with an aggressive growth strategy. For its first two years, the company focused on expanding its footprint by acquiring various media properties across key regional hubs, specifically in Alpharetta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky.
Expansion into Alternative Weeklies
Between 2011 and 2012, SouthComm significantly broadened its reach by purchasing several publications from Creative Loafing. These acquisitions included the Washington City Paper in Washington, DC, as well as Creative Loafing editions in Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida.
The company continued to diversify its portfolio in 2014. While Womack Newspapers purchased Creative Loafing Charlotte that year, SouthComm expanded into the professional sector by acquiring Cygnus Business Media, a trade publisher specializing in business-to-business (B2B) content.
Strategic Pivot and Divestment
By 2017 and 2018, SouthComm underwent a fundamental shift in business strategy. The company began selling off its alternative newspapers—publications that typically offer a non-traditional perspective on local news and culture—to concentrate exclusively on its B2B magazine operations.
This divestment phase saw several high-profile sales. In 2017, Ben Eason, the son of Creative Loafing founders Debbie and Elton Eason, purchased Creative Loafing Atlanta. That same December, venture capitalist Mark Ein acquired the Washington City Paper, and The Pitch was sold to local owners Stephanie and Adam Carey.
The transition continued into 2018. Creative Loafing Tampa was sold to the Euclid Media Group, and the real estate firm Freeman Webb acquired both the Nashville Scene and the Nashville Post in May. The final major move occurred in June 2018, when SouthComm sold its remaining trade magazines to Endeavor Business Media, a company established by SouthComm founder Chris Ferrell.
Key Facts
- Founded: Late 2007.
- Initial Focus: Media properties in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
- Major 2011-2012 Acquisitions: Washington City Paper and Creative Loafing (Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa).
- Strategic Shift: Moved from alternative newspapers to B2B magazines between 2017 and 2018.
- Final Trade Sale: Trade magazines sold to Endeavor Business Media in June 2018.
SouthComm Acquisition and Sale Summary
| Year | Publication/Entity | Action | New Owner/Entity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | Washington City Paper, Creative Loafing (Multiple) | Acquired | SouthComm |
| 2014 | Cygnus Business Media | Acquired | SouthComm |
| 2014 | Creative Loafing Charlotte | Sold | Womack Newspapers |
| 2017 | Creative Loafing Atlanta | Sold | Ben Eason |
| 2017 | Washington City Paper | Sold | Mark Ein |
| 2017 | The Pitch | Sold | Stephanie and Adam Carey |
| 2018 | Creative Loafing Tampa | Sold | Euclid Media Group |
| 2018 | Nashville Scene & Nashville Post | Sold | Freeman Webb |
| 2018 | Trade Magazines | Sold | Endeavor Business Media |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was SouthComm founded?
SouthComm was formed in late 2007.
Which publications did SouthComm acquire from Creative Loafing?
SouthComm acquired the Washington City Paper, and the Creative Loafing editions for Atlanta, Charlotte, and Tampa.
Why did SouthComm sell its alternative newspapers?
The company sold these properties between 2017 and 2018 to shift its primary business focus toward business-to-business (B2B) magazines.
Who acquired SouthComm's trade magazines in 2018?
The trade magazines were sold to Endeavor Business Media, which was started by SouthComm founder Chris Ferrell.
Who bought the Nashville Scene and Nashville Post?
These publications were acquired by the real estate company Freeman Webb in May 2018.