As we reflect on the year so far, it’s been an incredible journey of growth, internal promotions, and continued momentum at O’Rourke Media Group. Here are some of the key milestones we’ve achieved so far:
Business Growth & Performance:
- Revenue Growth: Total revenue has increased by 8% YOY, which is much lower YTD than expected but still respectable. Cash flow is strong and will finish 2024 up substantially from 2023. We’re seriously and realistically expecting to grow revenue by 20-25% in 2025 excluding the impact of future acquisitions.
- Expansion Through Acquisitions: Since December 2018, we have successfully completed 13 acquisitions, expanding our footprint and increasing our presence across multiple states. Earlier in the year, we welcomed Times Publishing Newspapers into O’Rourke Media Group, which added 10 publications with a reach of over 120,000 households every month. Since the acquisition, we’ve already expanded into a new market with the launch of the Huntingdon Valley View, a new monthly in a contiguous market.
- Digital Transformation: We continue to make significant investments in our digital operations, which positions us as a leader in omnichannel advertising and digital fulfillment in the markets we serve and well beyond.
- Team Leadership: Our strong leadership team has played a pivotal role in driving these results, with numerous key promotions in 2024 helping to increase sales, editorial, and operational capabilities. Being in a position to promote internally has been very inspiring.
Team Promotions:
- In January, Shari Pierce was promoted to Publisher of the Pagosa Springs Sun in Pagosa, CO.
- Stephanie Wagner was promoted to Publisher of the Herald Democrat in Leadville, CO, back in March.
- In June, Nikki Lee took on the role of Sales Manager for our Minnesota market, which includes the Hudson Star Observer, Republican Eagle, Cannon Falls Beacon, River Falls Journal, and Hastings Star Gazette.
- Chris Knott was promoted in June to Controller for the company.
- Leota Harriman was appointed Publisher of the Las Vegas Optic in New Mexico, also in June.
- Bridget Higdon was promoted in July to Publisher of our Vermont market, overseeing the Saint Albans Messenger, Essex Reporter, Colchester Sun, and Milton Independent.
- Jade Lewandowski took on the role of Vice President of Sales, also in July.
- Most recently, in October, Lauren Wong was promoted to Digital Editor for the City Sun Times in Arizona.
On a Personal Note: It would impossible for me to highlight all of the incredible people I interact with each day but I wanted to draw special attention to the following 5 people as I work most closely with them:
- Joe Paul, VP of Digital – Joe and I have worked together for the past six years, navigating the transition from our previous company into O’Rourke Media Group. He has grown tremendously over the years and has established himself as one of the best digital sellers in the industry. His knowledge on digital marketing far exceeds most in this space. You will not find someone more internally motivated and destined to “win” than Joe. If he is not locked in on ways to improve himself professionally, he is usually found at the gym, reading a book or at home cooking a “healthy” meal. It has been my absolute pleasure to watch him grow over the years and I know this is just the beginning. I have learned a lot from Joe both personally and professionally but I could never tell him that. 😉
- Megan Ivey, Director of Fulfillment – Megan and I go back nearly as far, working together previously before joining O’Rourke Media Group. Currently leading our digital fulfillment team, Megan has played a pivotal role in expanding our agency and improving our capabilities. She’s one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, always showing care for her team, the company, and especially her clients. Her thoughtful, people-first approach is evident in everything she does. I can’t think of anyone more suited to lead the fulfillment engine of our digital agency, and I’m confident we’ve only just begun to tap into the potential of what she, and our agency, will achieve in 2025!
- Jade Lewandowski, VP of Sales – Jade joined our team in 2023 with years of experience in sales but no experience in the media industry, yet she jumped in headfirst and quickly made her mark. She’s one of the most driven individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with, continuously pushing both sales and operational processes to improve across the board. Over the past 18 months, Jade has taken on every challenge and consistently exceeded expectations. When I think of the phrase “Tough times never last, but tough people do,” Jade comes to mind. She’s weathered the ups and downs of the media landscape with resilience and determination, and I’m excited to see her continue to rise to new challenges. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges 2025 will throw at us and I couldn’t imagine a better person to take on those than Jade.
- Joe Mathes, VP of Digital Strategy – When I first joined the company, Joe was my go-to resource for anything related to the digital agency. He shared a bold vision for our agency’s future, and since then, he’s been an integral part of our growth. Joe continually finds innovative ways to improve processes and expand our product mix. Beyond that, he has sold and continues to manage the company’s largest book of business and has been our top digital seller over the past 4 years. Working alongside Joe has been invaluable; he plays a key role in sales training and serves as a trusted sounding board for new ideas. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the agency in 2025 but I know Joe will be right there running the fast break with us and leading the charge!
- Jim O’Rourke, CEO – Where to begin? Jim and I first connected back in 2020, a year before I officially joined the company. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 4 years, Jim! I once heard someone describe working with Jim as “going from JV to Varsity” in the business world, and that couldn’t be more accurate. Over the years, I’ve had many leaders who’ve helped guide and develop me, but none quite like Jim. The knowledge I’ve gained from him spans everything from leadership and acquisitions to employee development and coaching—enough to fill a book! It has been a pleasure getting to know Jim and his family: Denise, Camryn, Gavin and Jamie—and of course, Tag & Mozzy 🦮🦮. Some of my favorite moments are conversations we’ve shared at his home, discussing the future of the business. Here’s to many more! If there’s one thing I hope I can teach him, though, it’s sales. Jim might just pick up a tip or two from me—though he may never admit it.
About O’Rourke Media Group:
O’Rourke Media Group is a family-owned, diversified media company that was formed in 2018. Originally just a holding company that owned a few newspapers, O’Rourke Media Group (OMG) has established itself as an industry-leading, digital media company comprising a cutting edge digital agency and an impressive group of award-winning, hyper-local print newspapers and niche magazines.
Since our beginning days, our primary focus has been publishing hyper-local, engaging news and information and providing omni-channel, targeted advertising and marketing solutions to local businesses. Our strategy is to stay in these lanes while always exploring new opportunities that can add value to what we provide local businesses and the communities we serve. We currently do business with over 15,000 small, medium and large advertisers a year.
O’Rourke Media Group now operates in eight states and 37 markets with 50 publications and hyper-local websites. We’re far from finished. Our goal is to expand into 100+ markets over the next few years, with no geographic boundaries, growing alongside trusted brands, established relationships, and loyal audiences.
If you’re an owner in the media space and interested in exploring partnership opportunities or transitioning your publication (s), don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always looking for new ways to grow, both creatively and strategically, and are open to traditional and non-traditional deal structures. At OMG, we prioritize smooth transitions while keeping a strong local presence in each of our markets.
If you’re in a transition or thinking of one and are interested in joining this amazing team, please reach out to me when ready. We are always looking to add talent to our team to help grow our business. The opportunities to pave your own way and grow your career are available in our company.
We are looking forward to a bright and fun 2025, and I hope you will consider joining the best local community newspaper group and digital marketing agency in our space! (I might be slightly biased 😉)
Caleb Anderson
COO
O’Rourke Media Group
canderson@orourkemediagroup.com