Chava Communications Acquires Prominent Independent Media Organizations Cleveland Scene, Creative Loafing Tampa, Orlando Weekly, and San Antonio Current

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Chava Communications (pronounced ha-vuh), a media, events, and marketing company, is excited to announce its recent acquisition of four independent media organizations from Cleveland-based company, Euclid Media Group. The publications joining the Chava Communications family include the Cleveland Scene (clevescene.com), San Antonio Current (sacurrent.com), Orlando Weekly (orlandoweekly.com), and Creative Loafing Tampa (cltampa.com). Chava Communications has also acquired Local Culture, a full-service marketing agency specializing in digital, social media, and experiential.

Formed to purchase the media organizations, Chava Communications is committed to providing engaging and thought-provoking journalism to readers. Chava Communications was founded by Michael Wagner and Cassandra Yardeni Wagner, a husband and wife team of seasoned media and marketing executives with a combined 35 years of industry experience. Both had worked as leaders within Euclid Media Group, serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Marketing, respectively.

The Cleveland Scene, San Antonio Current, Orlando Weekly, and Creative Loafing Tampa are well-respected, award-winning, and enduring independent digital and print media outlets known for their insightful reporting, cultural coverage, and dedication to serving their local communities. Collectively, Chava media outlets reach an average online audience of 3.5 million unique monthly users, not including social media followers, print circulation, or event attendees.
By incorporating these influential titles into its media portfolio, Chava Communications aims to foster a strong connection with diverse audiences and amplify the voices that matter.

The aforementioned media outlets have served as local news, culture, and entertainment sources in the markets they serve for decades, providing free, independent news coverage in the form of weekly or biweekly print publications and up-to-the-minute digital content.

“As someone who has worked in the independent media industry for 25 years, this is the next big step. Alongside our colleagues, Cassandra and I have poured a lot of soul into our publications, websites, events, and clients,” said Michael Wagner, Chava Communications founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“I believe in the significance of our work, which is why we’ve made this a family business. We see a path to growth and sustainability by doubling down on areas we’ve been successful. By welcoming Cleveland Scene, San Antonio Current, Orlando Weekly, and Creative Loafing Tampa into the fam, we’re affirming our commitment to continuing the legacy of excellence they have established.”

The team at Chava Communications aims to evolve the media outlets and continue its model of viability for local independent journalism, an industry that has been on a downward trajectory since the mid-2010s and was nearly decimated during the COVID-10 pandemic. Despite the industry-wide challenges, Euclid Media Group properties endured under Wagner’s leadership.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside our talented and passionate team for years, and now we have the honor of embarking on this new adventure together,” said Cassandra Yardeni Wagner, Chava co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer. “We will lead with curiosity and transparency, intention and integrity. It’s been a longstanding tenet of ours to never take our audience for granted, and that will continue to guide our work.”

“On a deeply personal note, the name ‘Chava’ (pronounced ha-vuh) is a tribute to my paternal grandmother, who was a beacon of resilience and radiance despite a life marked by hardship. Chava is the Hebrew word for ‘life,’ so in this spirit, we celebrate.”

The transition of ownership is expected to be seamless, with no disruption to regular publication schedules. Readers, advertisers, and partners can continue to rely on the same high-quality content, journalistic integrity, and commitment to local communities for which these publications have become known.

Chava Communications extends its sincere gratitude to Euclid Media Group for their stewardship of the Cleveland Scene, San Antonio Current, Orlando Weekly, and Creative Loafing Tampa, and looks forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by the previous owners.

For more information about Chava Communications and its media properties, please visit www.chavagroup.com

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ABOUT CHAVA COMMUNICATIONS: Chava Communications is a modern media, marketing, and events company that connects local businesses with culturally engaged audiences through world-class events, strategic marketing services, and independent journalism.
Through its media division, Chava Communications is a dynamic and forward-thinking media company dedicated to delivering impactful storytelling, diverse perspectives, and innovative content to its readers. With a portfolio of influential media properties, Chava Communications continues to shape the future of journalism and content creation. Chava’s in-house agency, Local Culture, maintains a nationwide footprint, specializing in digital, social media, and experiential marketing.
Chava Communications is headquartered in San Antonio, TX, with teams in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, and Cleveland, Ohio.