Founder and CEO Jarret Myer Acquires Iconic
Media Brands Uproxx, HipHopDX, Dime Magazine
will.i.am Joins UPROXX Studios as
Partner/Investor, brings FYI AI Technology; Rich Antoniello joins
as Partner and Executive Chairman
In a move poised to reshape the digital media landscape, media
veterans Jarret Myer, Rich Antoniello, and will.i.am announce the
formation of UPROXX Studios. This powerhouse independent company
emerged from the strategic acquisition of Uproxx, HipHopDX, Dime
Magazine, and other leading media assets from Warner Music Group
(WMG).
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424375244/en/
L TO R: Rich Antoniello, Jarret Myer,
will.i.am (Photo: Business Wire)
The creation of UPROXX Studios also includes the exclusive
license to represent WMG’s coveted YouTube inventory for all media
sales in the United States. This unparalleled access to a roster of
A-list stars combined with UPROXX Studios' ultra-engaged, superfan
communities creates a fresh platform for brands and advertisers to
get involved with music culture like never before. While this
spinoff fosters a powerful new chapter, UPROXX Studios and WMG will
continue to work together to ensure the seamless continuation of
all services for valued partners.
The newly formed UPROXX Studios will integrate the power of
will.i.am’s FYI AI technology and FYI radio into their operations.
This collaboration includes the creation of AI StoryLabs, a
specialized unit within UPROXX Studios that harnesses advanced
conversational AI to transform brand communication. This technology
will forge new pathways in content creation, advertising,
publishing and audience consumption and distribution.
Initial projects feature an AI-driven performance series, a
customized radio format, and a technology show tailored for social
media, demonstrating the potential of AI in marketing.
"Innovation is in our DNA," will.i.am, creative innovator and
tech entrepreneur, asserts. "Our continuous pursuit of developing
new mediums and platforms will re-shape the future of creative
expression. We are crafting products and experiences so
groundbreaking that they compel the world of media to evolve
alongside us. This is our mandate as pioneers of culture.”
Able to now focus solely on the media company, UPROXX Studios is
now positioned to unleash the explosive potential of its combined
assets fully. "We're doubling down on growth," declares Jarret
Myer, incoming CEO of UPROXX Studios. "Expect significant
investments in our brands, team, and the experiences we offer –
both creators and audiences alike."
“Through its partnership with FYI, UPROXX Studios embraces
pioneering technology and also signals its commitment to fostering
creativity and pushing the limits of digital expression," affirms
CEO Jarret Myer.
Independent Spirit, Major Label Muscle and Scale
Rich Antoniello, Founder and former CEO of Complex Networks,
brings his industry expertise to the table as a Partner and
Executive Chairman. "This is a game-changer," he states. "We're
merging the agility and freedom of an independent entity with the
reach and resources of a major music label. This is the recipe for
groundbreaking content and unparalleled brand experiences."
A Winning Partnership for All
Maria Weaver, President of WMX, said: "We’re pleased to return
Uproxx to a team led by the brand’s founder Jarret Myer, along with
other vibrant brands including HipHopDX. UPROXX Studios was the
natural choice for WMG’s U.S. YouTube inventory. They’ve a proven
track record with our content, and their newly independent company
presents a good opportunity for advertisers.”
About UPROXX Studios
At UPROXX Studios, we offer insights from authentic creative
minds and operate on a massive, popular scale. We are a brand
solutions studio shaped by visionaries who not only imagine what
culture could be but actively create it. Co-led by top music and
media figures, we connect brands with talent, cultural arenas, and
audiences. Our network, including Uproxx, HipHopDX, Dime Magazine,
and our exclusive partnership with Warner Music, collaborates with
cultural innovators to cultivate niche audiences through original
editorial and video content. We achieve this on an unparalleled
scale, reaching over 170 million monthly U.S. visitors and
generating over 12 billion monthly U.S. video views. At UPROXX
Studios, we are more than a business; we are committed supporters
of the global creative community.
ABOUT FYI
FYI is the ultimate productivity tool designed to serve
Creatives first, turbocharged by AI. FYI combines messaging and
collaboration tools with file management and content publishing
features to create an all-in-one experience that makes creative
teams more productive. In App, creators can ask AI co-star FYIona
anything (as heard on will.i.am Presents “THE FYI SHOW”/SiriusXM)
to brainstorm, find fast facts, and collaborate to Focus Your
Ideas. Download FYI.AI on iOS, Android and Mac. Learn more at
www.fyi.fyi.
About Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group (WMG) brings together artists, songwriters,
entrepreneurs, and technology that are moving entertainment culture
across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a
network of affiliates and licensees, WMG’s Recorded Music division
includes renowned labels such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment,
Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled By
Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire,
Spinnin’, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music
Nashville. WMG’s music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a
catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical
genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the
biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home
to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist
services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television
storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many
brands. Follow WMG on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and
Facebook.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424375244/en/
press@uproxx.com