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Reboot Illinois bought by investor group

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Illinois

* Press release…

AFK Media Group today announced it has completed the acquisition of Reboot Illinois from Reboot Media Group, LLC.

Reboot Illinois

Founded in 2012, Reboot Illinois, a political journalism website based in Chicago and Springfield, covers the ideas, people and politics behind government in Illinois. In just three years, Reboot Illinois has become Illinois’ top digital hub for political news, infographics and opinions. Its content is distributed on its website, through email newsletters and a variety of social media, as well as through a network of newspaper and website affiliates. Reboot Illinois also sponsors events, debates and lively conversation around the state’s big policy debates.

The platform reaches a broad spectrum of lawmakers, political thought leaders, lobbyists, journalists and activist citizens. Its website has grown rapidly, averaging nearly 600,000 page views per month. Its “Daily Tip-Off” newsletter and other newsletters reach more than 20,000 subscribers across the state. The Reboot Illinois team built a coveted and highly active social media community with more than 115,000 highly engaged Facebook fans and 13,000 Twitter followers.

Madeleine Doubek and Matt Dietrich, award-winning journalists who launched Reboot, will continue to lead the platform. Doubek covered Illinois politics for more than a decade and served as managing editor and executive editor of the Daily Herald for five years. Dietrich was the editorial page editor of The State Journal-Register in Springfield. As part of the transaction and effective March 15, Doubek will become Reboot’s Publisher and Dietrich will become Editor.

Reboot was founded by Anne Dias, the Chicago-based founder of Aragon Global Management, a hedge fund investing in global equities and in media/internet businesses. Dias provided seed capital for the start-up, hired the editorial and technology teams, and oversaw the digital and marketing efforts in the early days of the platform. “I am proud that Reboot has grown quickly to become a force in Illinois political media. I have always believed in a strong, independent press shining light on our government affairs so that citizens can play an active role in our democracy. The new ownership team shares this belief,” Dias said.

“Madeleine and Matt have led Reboot to decode what is happening in Springfield and how it affects all of us. Their coverage of Illinois politics has been shrewd and fair-minded.”

“In this time of upheaval in Illinois — both financially for many press outfits and politically with our state budget– the need for a strong and independent press is greater than ever. This is the right time for a new ownership team to take Reboot to the next level.”

AFK Media Group

AFK Media is a Chicago-based investor group that invests in digital technology platforms in Chicago and nationally. The principals have significant experience using technology to successfully grow audiences and revenue in digital media companies. Anthony Knierim, one of AFK’s partners, will join Reboot’s board of directors.

Knierim, a Chicago entrepreneur, has held a number of senior leadership positions at internet startups including Matchup.io, a digital fitness tracking and health community, as well as Packback, a digital textbook start-up. From 2012 through 2014, he helped launch Reboot Illinois as its director of digital strategy.

“Anne’s stewardship of Reboot has left a big imprint on the company. Reboot has created a great critical mass of engaged citizens and lawmakers who are active participants in the political process and debate. The culture of Reboot is fast-paced, data-driven and continuously innovative and it reflects Anne’s experience in the investment world.”

“We’re excited to take the platform to the next level. Our growth plans involve expanding Reboot’s content, its technology capabilities and its team of writers, building on the data-driven and strong editorial foundations of the business.” Knierim said.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:17 pm

Comments

I don’t know what to think about this. I was naive enough to think Reboot was part of an advocacy group, not a for-profit concern. Nothing wrong with the latter, it just is not what I thought they were.

Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:27 pm
I don’t the former Mrs. Ken Griffin can afford to finance independent political journalism any longer.

I had to read that three or four times to be sure it didn’t say AKP Media was the buyer. Wishful thinking on my part, LOL.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:31 pm
*doubt*

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:32 pm
“We’re excited to take the platform to the next level. Our growth plans involve expanding Reboot’s content, its technology capabilities and its team of writers, building on the data-driven and strong editorial foundations of the business.”

I’m old enough to remember when a press release like this might have included the words “reporters” or “reporting”. Are such things out of fashion at top digital hub platforms?

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:33 pm
All the more reason not to believe their story. Former owner is ex-wife of Rauner’s biggest contributor. New owner is private-equity firm, part of Rauner’s crowd.

Comment by Ares Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:34 pm
Hm. There is no such company licensed to do business in Illinois, at least not that turned up in a search. The AFK Media Group web site was created four days ago, and the only email goes to Andrew himself. Who are Andrew’s partners in this “group”?

Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:37 pm
“…journalism…”? C’mon, now.

Comment by up2now Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:38 pm
“Afk Media Group Corp
A privately held company in Hialeah, FL.

More Details for Afk Media Group Corp
Categorized under Communications. Our records show it was established in 2013 and incorporated in Florida. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of 75000 and employs a staff of approximately 1.

Company Contacts
Magdalena Kuhn
Principal”

Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:38 pm
Reboot has been less partisan than I expected it to be. They lean right, obviously, but not so hard right that they completely surrender their credibility as a “news” organization.

Reboot kind of reminds me of the long-lost Tribune editorial page of the 1990’s — a sober, moderately Republican voice that makes its point without fire-breathing moral absolutes.

Comment by BJW Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:39 pm
I’m really excited about this new partnership. That one staffer at AFK will help push them to the next level. //

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:41 pm
Hold out Rich! Retirement is just around the corner. The Hedgie’s “growth plans” might include you soon. The Rauner crowd would pay big time to own the “Capitol Fax”.

Comment by Qui Tam Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:42 pm
Not the first time a lobbyists fund a media company…

Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 3:45 pm
they don’t have Oscar pix! or this on line community.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 4:02 pm
Reboot is re-bought.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 4:13 pm
“All the more reason not to believe their story. Former owner is ex-wife of Rauner’s biggest contributor. New owner is private-equity firm, part of Rauner’s crowd.”

Ares: wrong group. This group is led by our original director of digital strategy.

Comment by Matt Dietrich Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 4:13 pm
Hold out Rich. You’re worth at least twenty times as much. (and get an NFL-style agent)

Comment by walker Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 4:21 pm
Huh…did money change hands? Apparently Mrs. ReBoot tires of this yoke…love to see a translation in English

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 4:44 pm
“Hold out Rich! Retirement is just around the corner. The Hedgie’s “growth plans” might include you soon. The Rauner crowd would pay big time to own the “Capitol Fax”.

If this should ever happen - I’m out of here.

Please, Rich, preserve the legacy and integrity of the incredible site you have created.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 5:11 pm
So, how much was invested or acquired for???

Comment by Brian Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 5:22 pm
==- illini - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 5:11 pm: ==
I agree with Illini.
Hang in there Rich, and keep reporting the truth about IL government!

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 6:09 pm
Matt Dietrich, Who is the ‘original director of digital strategy.’

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 6:34 pm
What’s to buy? Do they sell their subscriber list to their free newsletter?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 7:11 pm
With the exception of Rich, the site was already mostly a shill for the right wing — at times it had voices that were somewhat moderate but you always knew who you were really hearing from.

They just purchased it to make sure it becomes an entirely owned subsidiary of Rauner’s Winning Superstars, Incorporated.

Comment by Chucktownian Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:14 pm
“With the exception of Rich, the site was already mostly a shill for the right wing — at times it had voices that were somewhat moderate but you always knew who you were really hearing from.”

When was the last time you actually visited the site? There have been quite a few opinions and editorials critical of Rauner.

Comment by The Truth Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:32 pm
I’ve got no interest in going to the newly purchased Reboot Illinois web site. Course, I’ve never had any interest in Reboot Illinois before the purchase either. Capitol Fax is where I go to see what’s going on and if I ever hit the lottery I’m gonna subscribe…

Comment by Mouthy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 7:41 am