A press release was sent out by The Sun News and McClathy newspapers across America this week.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach is owned by McClatchy.
The McClatchy group is merging with accelerate360 to sure up operations of the organization as challenges from online tech platforms, like X, podcasters, social media platforms, and outlier independents including MyrtleBeachSC News continue to gain in market share and influence.
This merger comes as newspapers across America have led in the decline of all legacy media.
Sun News experienced similar: U.S. Declines of newspapers
- Circulation: In 2022, the total daily circulation of newspapers in the U.S. was 20.9 million, which was an 8% decrease from 2021 for weekdays and a 10% decrease for Sundays.
- Newsroom employment: Between 2008 and 2019, newsroom employment fell by 51%.
- Number of newspapers: Between late 2019 and May 2022, the U.S. lost an average of two newspapers per week.
- Newspaper penetration: Since 1950, newspaper penetration has declined steadily by 1–2% each year.
Sun News Local news and information’s parent company, McClatchy, has recently finalized its merger with accelerate360, a company that focuses on distribution, logistics, and media. Going forward, the combined organization will operate as McClatchy Media Company (MMC).
By merging McClatchy’s crucial local journalism with a60media’s captivating lifestyle and entertainment content, and accelerate360’s expansive retail distribution network, the newly formed company, MMC, becomes a vibrant digital publishing platform. With its premium, pertinent content and a massive audience of 100 million distinct visitors across America, MMC reinforces its position in the media industry.
“We are excited to bring together the strengths of McClatchy, a360media, and accelerate360,” said MMC CEO and Chairman Tony Hunter. “The combination creates many opportunities to leverage our digital platform at scale, provide additional original content offerings to consumers, and targeted audience access to our marketing partners. The vast distribution network and access to over 56,000 retail locations in North America add to the immense opportunities afforded by this merger.”
The Sun News McClatchy’s merger allows the group to streamline and automate back-office operations which will reduce costs and improve operating leverage.
The Sun News McCaltchy’s merger with accelerate360 will also free up cash flow allowing for greater investment in technology, talent and acquisitions.
McClatchy Media Company has the following executives leading its team:
- Tony Hunter, Chief Executive Officer
- Billie McConkey, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary
- Chuck Howell, President and Chief Operating Officer, McClatchy Retail Network
- Jeffrey Dorsey, Chief Operating Officer
- Robyn Tomlin, Chief Content Officer
- Stephanie Zarate, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer
- Tony Berg, Chief Revenue Officer
“We are pleased to complete this strategic merger of two highly complementary organizations and excited to have a terrific team of seasoned operating executives leading the newly formed McClatchy Media Company,” said Chatham Asset Management, the majority owner of MMC.
Of late, the Sun News filed multiple, exceptional news articles on downtown Myrtle Beach and the manner in which Myrtle Beach City Council operates. The Sun News charges a paywall for viewers to read its articles online.
This is common among most legacy media newspaper outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post.
About the Sun News and McClatchy Media Company
A press release from McClatchy states:
The McClatchy Media Company offers a range of dynamic and reliable news, lifestyle, and entertainment brands, alongside a strong retail distribution network. Their collection of local news brands includes the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sun News of Myrtle Beach, The State Newspaper of Columbia, SC, the Island Packet of Hilton Head, and The Sacramento Bee. They also feature popular lifestyle and entertainment brands like Us Weekly and Woman’s World. Collectively, their brands attract over 100 million unique monthly visitors.
