Introduction to Meredith Corporation

Meredith Corporation stands as one of the most recognized and trusted names in the American media and entertainment landscape. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with major operational hubs in New York City, Meredith has evolved from a regional publishing house into a diversified, multi-platform entertainment powerhouse. The company’s portfolio spans renowned magazine titles, digital content brands, television stations, and integrated marketing services, reaching over 200 million consumers monthly across print, digital, and broadcast channels.

In the entertainment sector, Meredith Corporation distinguishes itself through a unique blend of authoritative lifestyle content and data-driven audience insights. Brands such as Better Homes & Gardens, Allrecipes, People, and Entertainment Weekly (historically) have defined generations of consumer behavior. Meredith’s ability to pivot from legacy print to digital-first, video-heavy storytelling has cemented its reputation as a bellwether for the media industry. The company’s market reputation is built on trust, scale, and innovation—traits that attract top advertising partners, content creators, and technology collaborators.

Meredith Corporation’s role within the entertainment ecosystem is multifaceted: it is a content creator, a distributor, a data broker, and a technology incubator. Organizations ranging from Fortune 500 advertisers to independent film studios rely on Meredith’s audience intelligence and brand-safe environments to reach targeted demographics. The company’s Meredith Data Studio and proprietary DSP (Demand-Side Platform) allow partners to activate high-intent audiences across the open web, making Meredith not just a media company but a marketing solutions enterprise. This comprehensive approach—content plus data plus technology—defines the Meredith Corporation company profile as a leader in the entertainment and media services industry.

With annual revenues exceeding $2 billion (pre-merger with IAC’s Dotdash in 2021) and a workforce of over 7,000 employees, Meredith remains a formidable entity even after its acquisition by IAC. The company’s continued operation of iconic titles under the new Dotdash Meredith umbrella ensures that the Meredith brand—its editorial standards, ethical guidelines, and community engagement—persists. For professionals in entertainment, marketing, and technology, Meredith Corporation offers an unparalleled platform to shape culture at scale.

Company History and Business Evolution

The story of Meredith Corporation begins in 1902 when Edwin Thomas Meredith founded Successful Farming magazine in Des Moines, Iowa. Initially a small agricultural publication, the magazine quickly gained traction among America’s rural heartland, establishing a direct line of trust between the publisher and its readers. Edwin T. Meredith’s vision was to provide practical, actionable advice that improved the lives of farm families—a mission that would later expand into broader lifestyle categories.

In 1922, Meredith launched Fruit, Garden and Home, which evolved into the iconic Better Homes and Gardens in 1924. This magazine became the cornerstone of Meredith’s portfolio, defining the modern home and garden category. Over the following decades, the company grew through a series of strategic acquisitions and organic launches, adding titles such as Ladies’ Home Journal (acquired in 1986) and Family Circle (acquired in 2001). Each acquisition deepened Meredith’s connection to American households, particularly women aged 25–54, who became the company’s core demographic.

The 2000s marked a major shift as digital media began to disrupt traditional publishing. Meredith responded aggressively by acquiring digital-first brands like Allrecipes.com (2012) and Everyday Health (2016) for approximately $2.5 billion combined. These moves transformed Meredith from a print-centric company into a digital giant with over 100 million monthly unique visitors. In 2018, Meredith completed the acquisition of Time Inc. for $1.8 billion, gaining iconic titles such as People, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and Entertainment Weekly. This deal nearly doubled the company’s size and placed Meredith at the center of American popular culture.

Throughout its history, Meredith has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt. The company invested early in video production, launching Meredith Video Studios and producing thousands of hours of original content for platforms like Amazon Prime and Roku. It also pioneered native advertising and programmatic ad technology through its own ad tech stack. In 2021, Meredith agreed to be acquired by IAC’s Dotdash in a deal valued at $2.7 billion, creating the largest digital publisher in the United States. Today, the legacy of Meredith Corporation lives on within Dotdash Meredith, where its brands continue to thrive under a unified digital-first strategy.

Meredith Corporation at a Glance

Below are 20 essential facts and searchable keywords about Meredith Corporation, providing a snapshot of its scale and influence:

• Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa, USA (also major offices in New York, NY; Birmingham, AL; and other cities)
• Founded: 1902 by Edwin Thomas Meredith
• CEO (pre-merger): Tom Harty (final CEO before acquisition)
• Parent Company: Dotdash Meredith (a subsidiary of IAC)
• Industry: Media, Entertainment, Publishing, Marketing Solutions
• Revenue (pre-merger): Approximately $2.3 billion (2020)
• Employees: Over 7,000 (pre-merger)
• Flagship Brands: Better Homes & Gardens, People, Allrecipes, Entertainment Weekly, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure
• Digital Reach: Over 200 million monthly unique visitors
• Print Reach: Combined circulation exceeding 60 million magazines
• Television Stations: Owned and operated 17 stations including KCTV (Kansas City) and WFSB (Hartford)
• Acquisitions: Time Inc. (2018), Everyday Health (2016), Allrecipes (2012)
• Key Technology: Meredith Data Studio, MDS (audience segmentation), DSP/SSP platforms
• Video Production: 1,000+ hours of original video annually
• Podcast Network: Meredith Podcasts (including “People in the 90s” and “Allrecipes Dinner Spinner”)
• Awards: Multiple National Magazine Awards, Webby Awards, and Emmy recognition for video
• Community Impact: Over $15 million annual charitable contributions via the Meredith Impact Fund
• Diversity & Inclusion: Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans
• Sustainability: Carbon-neutral certified for Scopes 1 and 2, sustainable sourcing commitment
• Global Presence: Content distributed in 40+ countries through licensing and partnerships

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Meredith Corporation’s mission has always centered on inspiring and empowering consumers to live their best lives. This mission manifests through content that is trusted, actionable, and aspirational. The company’s vision is to be the most trusted source of inspiration and information for every stage of life, leveraging its brands to create meaningful connections between consumers and advertisers.

The core values that drive Meredith Corporation include:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest editorial and ethical standards, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all content.
• Innovation: Continuously evolving business models, technology, and storytelling to stay ahead of consumer behavior.
• Inclusivity: Representing diverse perspectives both in content and workforce, fostering a culture where everyone belongs.
• Impact: Measuring success not just in profits but in the positive influence on communities, employees, and the planet.
• Collaboration: Breaking silos across print, digital, video, and marketing to deliver seamless experiences.

These values are embedded in every decision, from content moderation policies to advertising partnerships. Meredith’s commitment to EDGE (Equity, Diversity, Growth, and Engagement) has been recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity multiple times.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Meredith Corporation’s business strategy evolved from a “house of brands” to a “branded ecosystem” where data and content intersect. Pre-acquisition, the company focused on three pillars: Content Excellence (award-winning storytelling across formats), Data-Driven Marketing (proprietary audience intelligence and targeting), and Diversified Revenue (subscription, advertising, licensing, e-commerce).

The future roadmap under Dotdash Meredith centers on building a unified technology platform that leverages AI-driven content personalization, video monetization at scale, and expanded affiliate commerce. Meredith Corporation’s legacy brands will continue to operate with editorial independence while benefiting from shared resources in ad tech, data science, and digital distribution. Key initiatives include:

• Commerce Integration: Deepening affiliate links within recipes, home improvement guides, and celebrity news to capture transaction revenue.
• Video Expansion: Producing more short-form and long-form video for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Connected TV (CTV).
• Data Monetization: Enhancing the Meredith Data Studio to offer real-time audience insights and predictive analytics to advertisers.
• Subscriber Growth: Building a premium subscription tier for ad-free access, exclusive content, and early access to events.
• International Licensing: Expanding brand partnerships in Asia and Latin America for print and digital versions of Better Homes & Gardens and People.

Meredith also invests in AI and machine learning to automate content curation and optimize audience engagement. The company’s roadmap reflects a commitment to remaining relevant in an era of streaming wars and social media fragmentation.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Meredith Corporation offers a comprehensive suite of products and services that span content creation, technology, and marketing solutions:

• Magazines: Over 40 print titles including Better Homes & Gardens (circulation 7.6M), People (circulation 3.5M), Allrecipes (digital-first but print specials), and Southern Living.
• Digital Brands: Websites and apps for each magazine, plus standalone properties like VeryWell Health, Lifescript, and Parents.com (via partnerships).
• Video & TV: Meredith Video Studios produces original series for broadcast, OTT, and syndication. The company also operates 17 local TV stations under the Meredith Local Media Group.
• Audio: The Meredith Podcast Network distributes 20+ shows including “People in the 90s” and “Martha Stewart’s Cooking School.”
• Data & Ad Tech: Meredith Data Studio provides audience segments based on over 350 million profiles. The MDS offers programmatic buying, custom audiences, and attribution measurement.
• Custom Content: Branded content studios that create native advertising, sponsored articles, video series, and influencer campaigns.
• Events: Live events such as the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Summit, People’s Party, and Allrecipes Food Fest.
• E-commerce: Affiliate networks powering product recommendations across home, food, and style categories.

These offerings are underpinned by proprietary technologies including a content management system (CMS) optimized for speed, an AI recommendation engine, and a real-time bidding exchange for programmatic ads.

Industries and Markets Served

Meredith Corporation serves a diverse array of industries and markets, leveraging its content verticals to address specific consumer needs:

• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): Advertisers in food, beverage, household products, and personal care use Meredith’s recipe and lifestyle content to drive purchase intent.
• Retail & E-commerce: Home improvement, fashion, and beauty retailers benefit from Meredith’s “inspire-to-purchase” content and affiliate programs.
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Health brands collaborate with Meredith’s health-focused titles (e.g., Prevention, VeryWell) for patient education and direct-to-consumer campaigns.
• Travel & Hospitality: Travel + Leisure and Southern Living attract airlines, hotels, and tourism boards seeking affluent travelers.
• Automotive: Car manufacturers advertise in lifestyle magazines and on digital platforms, particularly around family and adventure content.
• Financial Services: Meredith’s audience of homeowners and families appeals to banks, insurers, and investment firms.
• Entertainment & Media: Film studios, streaming services, and TV networks use People and Entertainment Weekly to promote new releases and celebrity stories.
• Technology & Telecom: Tech brands partner with Meredith for content marketing around smart home, parenting tech, and digital lifestyle.

Geographically, Meredith’s primary market is the United States, but its brands have international editions in Canada, Australia, India, and parts of Europe through licensing deals. The company’s audience skews female (75%), aged 25–54, with household incomes above $75,000, making it highly attractive to premium advertisers.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

Meredith Corporation’s leadership legacy is one of steady, values-driven management. Under pre-acquisition CEO Tom Harty, the company emphasized operational discipline, digital transformation, and employee well-being. Harty’s leadership style was described as collaborative yet decisive, fostering a culture where data informed creative decisions.

Key executives who shaped Meredith’s trajectory include:

• Tom Harty – Former President & CEO; led the Time Inc. integration and digital expansion.
• John Zieser – Former Chief Development Officer, oversaw M&A and legal strategy.
• Jon Werther – Former President of Meredith National Media Group, responsible for brands, sales, and marketing.
• Gina Gomes – Former Chief People & Culture Officer, championed diversity and remote work policies.

The management philosophy revolves around the “Three C’s”: Content, Consumer, and Client. Every decision must serve the quality of content, the engagement of consumers, and the value for clients (advertisers/partners). Meredith also pioneered the concept of integrated marketing pods, where editors, data scientists, and sales teams work together on account strategies. This cross-functional approach reduces bureaucracy and accelerates innovation.

Meredith’s leadership continues to advocate for mental health and work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and unlimited PTO for many roles. The company’s management style has been ranked highly on Glassdoor for transparency and communication.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Meredith Corporation organizes and participates in a wide range of events that reinforce its industry leadership and community ties:

• Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Summit – An annual gathering of interior designers, influencer, and home improvement brands to showcase trends.
• People’s Party – A star-studded event celebrating pop culture, attended by celebrities and media executives.
• Allrecipes Food Fest – A multi-city festival featuring cooking demos, tastings, and meet-and-greets with top food bloggers.
• Digital Content Next (DCN) Conferences – Meredith actively participates as a member of DCN, advocating for premium publishers.
• Ad Week – The company often hosts panels on data-driven advertising and branded content.
• Local TV Community Initiatives – Each Meredith-owned station runs “Meredith Cares” campaigns that support local food banks, schools, and disaster relief.
• Employee Volunteer Days – Paid time off for employees to volunteer at nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Feeding America.

Through the Meredith Impact Fund, the company has donated over $15 million annually to causes including education, hunger relief, and environmental sustainability. Meredith also sponsors the Edwin T. Meredith Scholarship for journalism students at Iowa State University.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Meredith Corporation employs a diverse workforce of over 7,000 (pre-merger) spread across editorial, sales, technology, and operations. The company has been recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Women and by Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Workplace culture emphasizes:

• Flexible Work: Many roles offer hybrid or fully remote options, with a focus on output rather than hours.
• Learning & Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning, internal mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement up to $5,000/year.
• Employee Resource Groups: Black@Meredith, Women@Meredith, Pride@Meredith, Veterans@Meredith, and more.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision; free mental health counseling via EAP; on-site gyms at major offices.
• Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salaries, annual performance bonuses, 401(k) match (up to 5%), and paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver).
• Office Environment: Open floor plans, content studios, and collaboration spaces in NYC and Des Moines headquarters.

Employee feedback on sites like Glassdoor frequently highlights the “supportive management” and “opportunity to work with iconic brands” as top positives, while some cite “bureaucracy” and “slow decision-making” as challenges. Overall, the culture is described as professional yet approachable.

Job Details & Requirements for This Posting

Position: Senior Director of Entertainment Strategy

Meredith Corporation (now part of Dotdash Meredith) is seeking a visionary leader to drive the entertainment content vertical across its portfolio. This role reports to the SVP of Content Strategy and works closely with editorial, product, and revenue teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi-platform content strategy for entertainment brands (People, Entertainment Weekly, and others) to increase audience engagement and revenue.
• Lead cross-functional teams to produce daily content, special projects, and tentpole events.
• Analyze audience data and market trends to identify growth opportunities in video, audio, and social media.
• Collaborate with ad sales and marketing to create integrated sponsorship packages that align with brand narratives.
• Drive innovation in storytelling formats, including short-form video, interactive articles, and live experiences.
• Manage a budget of $10M+ for content production, talent acquisition, and technology investments.
• Build relationships with external partners: studios, talent agencies, and media vendors.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in media, entertainment, or digital content strategy, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of growing audience and revenue for a major entertainment brand.
• Deep understanding of entertainment industry trends, including streaming, celebrity news, and pop culture.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data platforms (Google Analytics, Comscore, Parse.ly).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to present to C-suite.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree in journalism/communications preferred.

Why Join Meredith Corporation?

• Opportunity to shape the future of storied brands that reach millions daily.
• Competitive compensation package including equity in IAC.
• Access to state-of-the-art content creation tools and data resources.
• Collaborate with top-tier talent across editorial, video, and technology.
• Be part of a legacy company evolving rapidly in the digital age.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

The reputation of Meredith Corporation as an employer, business partner, and content provider is well-documented across multiple platforms. Below is an exhaustive review of feedback from employees, advertisers, and consumers.

Glassdoor

Meredith Corporation holds a 3.7 out of 5 star rating on Glassdoor based on over 2,500 reviews. Employees praise the collaborative culture, benefits package, and iconic brand portfolio as major strengths. Common positive themes include “great work-life balance” (especially in Des Moines), “supportive managers,” and “free products from advertisers.” On the downside, reviews cite “slow innovation,” “bureaucratic decision-making,” and “salary compression” (new hires often underpaid compared to market). The CEO approval rating (pre-merger) was 72%. Many ex-employees note that the company struggled with adapting to digital trends quickly, but opportunities for growth in data and video roles have improved.

Indeed

On Indeed, Meredith Corporation has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5. Employee reviews frequently mention the “friendly atmosphere” and “job stability” but also “limited career advancement” in smaller markets. The company scores well on “culture” (3.8) and “work-life balance” (3.9), but “compensation” lags at 3.0. Former employees from the New York office note high pressure during the Time Inc. integration.

Gartner Peer Insights

Meredith Corporation’s marketing solutions arm is reviewed on Gartner Peer Insights under “Digital Advertising Platforms.” Advertisers rate the Meredith Data Studio at 4.2 out of 5, citing powerful audience targeting and strong ROI. However, some agencies find the interface less intuitive compared to pure-play AdTech platforms. Custom content services receive high marks for editorial quality.

Trustpilot

Consumer reviews on Trustpilot for specific Meredith brands (e.g., Allrecipes, Better Homes & Gardens) are generally positive, with average ratings around 4.1 stars. Users appreciate reliable recipes and home improvement ideas. Negative reviews often concern recipe issues (incorrect measurements) or advertising intrusiveness. The company actively responds to feedback, which improves trust.

G2

On G2, Meredith’s content and marketing platforms are categorized under “Branded Content Solutions” and “Audience Data Platforms.” The average rating is 4.0 out of 5. Users highlight the company’s deep audience insights and high engagement rates, but note that the platform lacks self-service capabilities for smaller advertisers.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews for Meredith Corporation’s headquarters average 4.3 stars. Employees and visitors frequently mention the impressive campus and employee amenities. A common phrase is “historic yet modern.” The Des Moines location is praised for its community feel. Negative reviews are rare but sometimes mention parking challenges.

LinkedIn Reputation

Meredith Corporation maintains a professional LinkedIn page with over 300,000 followers. The company posts about brand achievements, employee spotlights, and industry thought leadership. Former employees often comment on posts with sentiments of pride and nostalgia. The company is considered a stepping stone to larger tech positions but also a long-term home for those valuing brand stability.

Overall, Meredith Corporation enjoys a solid reputation as a respected, albeit traditional, media company that is successfully navigating digital transition. While compensation may not match Silicon Valley, the brand equity and work culture are strong draws.

Why Organizations Choose Meredith Corporation

Organizations partner with Meredith Corporation for several compelling reasons:

• Unmatched Audience Reach: Over 200M monthly unique visitors across trusted lifestyle and entertainment brands.
• Proprietary Data: 350M+ registered users, enabling precise targeting that outperforms standard demographic segments.
• Brand Safety & Trust: Meredith’s editorial standards are among the highest in the industry, ensuring ads appear next to positive, family-friendly content.
• Integrated Solutions: From custom content to programmatic buying to event sponsorship, Meredith offers a one-stop shop.
• Innovation Track Record: Early adopters of video, podcasting, and affiliate commerce, helping partners stay ahead of trends.
• Commitment to ROI: Meredith provides attribution tools to measure campaign effectiveness, proving value in real-time.

Whether a Fortune 500 CPG or a boutique streaming service, organizations choose Meredith because it delivers results without compromising brand integrity.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Meredith Corporation using the following contact details:

Address: 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, USA
Contact Number: +1 (515) 284-3000
Support Number: +1 (800) 678-1834
Helpdesk Number: +1 (515) 284-3720
Website: https://www.meredith.com/

Official Social Media Presence

Stay connected with Meredith Corporation through its official social media channels:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meredith-corporation/
• Twitter (X): @MeredithCorp
• Facebook: MeredithCorp
• Instagram: @meredithcorp
• YouTube: Meredith Corporation

SEO FAQ Section

Meredith Corporation is known for its iconic lifestyle and entertainment brands including Better Homes & Gardens, People, Allrecipes, and Entertainment Weekly. It is a leading media and marketing solutions company.

Meredith Corporation is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with major offices in New York City and other locations.

Meredith Corporation was founded by Edwin Thomas Meredith in 1902 as a publishing company focused on agricultural and home life magazines.

Prior to its acquisition by IAC, Meredith Corporation reported annual revenues of approximately $2.3 billion (2020).

Meredith Corporation had over 7,000 employees before merging with IAC’s Dotdash in 2021.

Yes, Meredith Corporation owned and operated 17 television stations across the United States, including stations in Kansas City, Hartford, and Atlanta, before selling them to Gray Television in 2021.

Yes, after the 2021 acquisition by IAC, Meredith’s publishing assets were merged with Dotdash to form Dotdash Meredith, but the Meredith brand identity lives on in many of its legacy products.

Key digital brands include Allrecipes.com, People.com, BHG.com, SouthernLiving.com, and TravelLeisure.com, among others.

Meredith generates revenue through advertising (print and digital), subscription sales, affiliate commerce, content licensing, live events, and data-driven marketing solutions.

The Meredith Data Studio is a proprietary audience intelligence platform that provides advertisers with detailed consumer segments based on Meredith’s 350M+ user profiles.

Yes, Meredith Video Studios produces thousands of hours of original video content annually for OTT platforms, social media, and traditional broadcast.

Meredith has won numerous National Magazine Awards, Webby Awards, and Emmys for its editorial and video content.

Based on employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed, Meredith Corporation is generally considered a positive workplace with good benefits and work-life balance, though compensation can be lower than tech peers.

Interested candidates can apply via the Dotdash Meredith careers page or through external job boards; the process typically includes a phone screen, personality assessments, and panel interviews.

Meredith has employee resource groups for women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and veterans, and has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for inclusive policies.

Yes, Meredith Corporation actively maintains profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for corporate communications and brand updates.

Meredith pioneered multi-platform content strategies, native advertising, and data-driven audience targeting, influencing how traditional publishers compete in the digital age.

Advertisers can contact Meredith’s sales team via the official website or through programmatic channels using the Meredith Data Studio.

Meredith contributes over $15 million annually through the Meredith Impact Fund, supporting education, hunger relief, and diversity initiatives.

Under Dotdash Meredith, the company focuses on AI-driven personalization, video expansion, and commerce integration to sustain growth in a competitive media landscape.

For additional insights into the media and publishing industry, including effective strategies for content promotion, organizations often turn to professional Guest Post Outreach Services to amplify brand stories. Firms seeking to improve their online visibility can explore options like Guest Post Outreach Services from trusted providers. Meanwhile, Meredith Corporation continues to set benchmarks in content quality and audience engagement, offering a complete view of corporate and industry resources.