International media investments have seen rising interest from venture capital and private equity firms over the past decade. As traditional media struggles with profitability, new digital media models relying on user-generated content and online advertising have attracted investor attention. The age profile of media investment ownership reflects this trend, with younger entrepreneurs and investors playing a key role.
New digital media draws younger investors
Many major digital media brands such as BuzzFeed, Vox Media, and Vice have raised substantial venture capital, with young founders and investors playing a leading role. For example, BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti first started the site in his 30s. Vice Media founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi were also in their 30s when they launched their digital media empire.
Traditional media ownership aging over time
In contrast to digital media, traditional media ownership in areas like newspapers and broadcasting skews older on average. Well-established family-owned groups like Newhouse and Murdoch have owners in older age brackets. Publicly traded media firms also have older boards and investors typical of large corporations.
Platforms and networks emerge as key investment themes
As opposed to individual publications, media platforms and networks that leverage technology to distribute a range of content have become attractive investment themes. For example, Vice has expanded from digital media into TV, books, music, ad agency services. Other platform plays like J2 Global span digital publishing, TV, radio, and education assets.
The age profile of international media investment ownership reflects a broader shift from traditional outlets to digital platforms, with younger entrepreneurs and venture capital investors playing an increasingly prominent role in the media ecosystem.