Warner Bros. Discovery Sells MotorTrend Group to Hearst

As a seasoned movie critic with a lifelong passion for automobiles and pop culture, I can’t help but see this deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Hearst Magazines as a fascinating shift in the landscape of car enthusiast media. The MotorTrend Group, with its rich history and diverse portfolio, embodies the very essence of what it means to be a car lover – from electric vehicles to classic customs.

Warner Bros. Discovery has sold the MotorTrend Group of automotive brands to Hearst Magazines.

Details about the agreement weren’t shared. MotorTrend Group, home to MotorTrend, Hot Rod, Roadkill, and Automobile, represents automotive culture encompassing everything from modern electric vehicles to classic custom builds, as stated by the involved parties. Their brand portfolio caters to over 30 million users each month, while their events business attracts around 500,000 car enthusiasts yearly to events such as Hot Rod Drag Week, Roadkill Nights, and the Japanese Automotive Invitational at Pebble Beach.

In 2017, Discovery Communications (later merging with WarnerMedia to form WBD) obtained a significant share in TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Subsequently, Discovery integrated its Velocity TV network along with the digital and live-event operations of over 20 automotive brands owned by TEN, such as MotorTrend and Hot Rod, into their existing portfolio.

Previously in the year, WBD ended the MotorTrend+ streaming service. This was following the transfer of its content to Discovery+ and Max, where MotorTrend+ subscribers were upgraded to Discovery+’s ad-free subscription.

Buying MotorTrend is a strategic move for us, allowing us to grow our digital services, connect with an even larger and more varied group of car enthusiasts, and offer cutting-edge possibilities,” Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines, stated. “We’re excited to have MotorTrend Group join our Hearst family as we strive for ongoing business expansion.

Alex Wellen, the CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, stated: “Over the last 75 years, we’ve expanded MotorTrend into a globally influential auto multimedia company, engaging hundreds of millions of car enthusiasts through various platforms. By merging with Hearst, a business I’ve long respected, we can guarantee that our cherished brands will continue to cater to and entertain automotive fans for many years.

The MotorTrend brands will continue to operate out of offices in El Segundo, Calif., and Detroit.

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2024-12-12 22:46