Two longtime Central Massachusetts publications are changing hands as a new Worcester-connected company backed by Rucker Investments moves into the region’s ever-evolving media landscape.
Merit House Media, a newly formed company affiliated with Rucker Investments, announced Monday that it has acquired the publications, digital platforms, events and related media assets formerly owned by Pagio Inc., including Pulse Magazine and CM Pride Magazine.
The deal places two of Worcester’s best-known arts and lifestyle publications under the umbrella of a growing investment group that already owns or operates several prominent Worcester entertainment and hospitality properties, including the Worcester Railers, The Palladium, Off The Rails and the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. According to the announcement, the acquisition was completed Friday.
Merit House Media said it plans to focus on regional storytelling, arts and entertainment coverage, community engagement and events.
Merit House Media will be led by Kate McEvoy, who previously worked in publishing and media roles in Central Massachusetts.
“For decades, Central Massachusetts has felt the pain of being in an under-represented media market,” McEvoy said in the announcement. “In recent years, as the number of local media vehicles has continued to decline, it has been even more challenging to find credible and consistent lifestyle content and community information.”
The acquisition also marks the end of an era for Pagio Inc. founder Paul Giorgio, a longtime Worcester media figure who has operated Pulse and related publications for years.
“When I started in publishing more than 35 years ago as an owner of Worcester Publishing Ltd, we believed the work we were doing was important to the local economy,” Giorgio said in the announcement. “The need for Central Massachusetts to have a local voice is more vital than ever.”
Pulse Magazine has long focused on Worcester-area dining, arts, music and culture coverage, while CM Pride Magazine has centered LGBTQ+ issues, events and community coverage in Central Massachusetts.
Rucker Investments said the acquisition expands its efforts to promote Worcester and the broader region through entertainment, hospitality and media ventures.
“Entering the media space in Central Massachusetts provides us with a new platform to showcase the region and the exciting things happening in and around Worcester,” Stephanie Ramey, vice president of special projects at Rucker Investments, said in the announcement.
The company said it plans to “refine and reimagine” the publications and event portfolio moving forward.
