Stereophile/S&V/Analog Planet/Shutterbug Acquisition

[amirm]

Not sure if this is good news for the publications mentioned or not:

----
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pray Media Holdings Announces Acquisition of AVTech Media Americas and Its Iconic
Enthusiast Media Brands

Thornwood, New York — May 30, 2026 — Pray Media Holdings today announced the acquisition of
AVTech Media Americas, publisher of some of the most respected enthusiast media brands in the
audio, home entertainment, photography, and technology sectors. This acquisition includes the
flagship titles and digital properties Stereophile, Sound & Vision, Analog Planet, and Shutterbug,
along with affiliated media brands and related digital assets. The transaction marks the launch of
Pray Media Holdings as a next-generation media company focused on preserving legacy editorial
brands while expanding digital media, audience engagement, and new revenue opportunities.
“I am honored to become the steward of these legendary brands,” said Keith Pray, Founder and
President of Pray Media Holdings. “My relationship with these brands began in 1999, and they have
been an important part of my professional life ever since. For more than 25 years, I have seen
firsthand the passion of the readers, creators, advertisers, and communities that surround them. To
now guide their next chapter is both humbling and exciting.”

“We are delighted to have supported the management buyout of Stereophile, which now returns to
U.S. ownership,” said Paul Miller, Editorial Director of AVTech Media and incoming Technical Editor
of Stereophile. “It was important to us that this revered hi-fi brand retain continuity in both its
publishing structure and editorial leadership, ensuring a seamless transition. The natural
brotherhood between Stereophile and Hi-Fi News, representing more than 130 years of hi-fi
publishing history, will endure. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Editor-in-Chief Jim
Austin and the publication’s exceptional team of contributors. Keith’s passion for enthusiast media,
deep understanding of the audience, and commitment to editorial excellence make him an ideal
steward for Stereophile as it begins its next chapter.”

The acquisition ensures continuity for readers, advertisers, contributors, and industry partners while
positioning the brands for future growth under dedicated ownership with deep roots in enthusiast
publishing.

About Pray Media Holdings
Pray Media Holdings is a privately held media company focused on acquiring, operating, and
growing enthusiast media brands that serve passionate consumer communities. The company is
committed to preserving editorial integrity while investing in digital innovation, audience
development, events, commerce, and new media platforms.
Media Contact

Keith Pray
Founder & President
Pray Media Holdings

 

[pablolie]

".. representing more than 130 years of hi-fi
publishing history.."
What was their publication 130 years ago?

 

[amirm]

I suspect they are adding up all of their years of operation, not just one of them.

 

[Palmer]

Am I the only one who feels that: " Paul Miller, Editorial Director of AVTech Media and incoming Technical Editor
of Stereophile. “It was important to us that this revered hi-fi brand... " is weird? Stereophile is a HiFi Brand... Huh.
I'm glad none of my hard earned money ever went anywhere near there.

 

[pablolie]

I suspect they are adding up all of their years of operation, not just one of them.

I fully realize that ... it's like The New York post, The Sun and The National Inquirer pitching over 200 years of commitment to editorial truth...
PS: I remain subscribed to Stereophile and hope they don't change much.

 

[pablolie]

Am I the only one who feels that: " Paul Miller, Editorial Director of AVTech Media and incoming Technical Editor
of Stereophile. “It was important to us that this revered hi-fi brand... " is weird? Stereophile is a HiFi Brand... Huh.
I'm glad none of my hard earned money ever went anywhere near there.

I defend Stereophile. I know the language gets flowery, but the writing is good and I value that. And they have the JA measurements that cut through that. The pictures are pretty too, and sue me but I like looking at top designs, even though I'd never waste my retirement money on that.

 

[Beave]

https://www.bizapedia.com/ny/pray-media-holdings-inc.html

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Whoopee! We all know how having your favorite fast food chain acquired by a vast holding company enhances the quality and value of its offerings. Hopefully, Pray Media Holding will turn Stereophile into the KFC of audio review magazines. As Samuel Jackson might once have put it: They'll make their ass "fried chicken".

 

[Power Pop 23]

I am unfamiliar with Mr. Keith Pray.

It appears he bought these holdings from his employer on behalf of Pray Media Holdings which filed as a corporation on May 14, 2026.

I wonder how access to AI has affected traffic to these websites.

 

[Roland301]

Hopefully they won't do what happened when Stereophile absorbed Innerfidelity and lose a bunch of old articles...

Tyll's reviews and measurements are an important piece of history for the hobby. I still refer back to them sometimes.

 

[PristineSound]

I pray that they would invest in better testing equipments.

 

[scottsol]

I am unfamiliar with Mr. Keith Pray.

It appears he bought these holdings from his employer on behalf of Pray Media Holdings which filed as a corporation on May 14, 2026.

I wonder how access to AI has affected traffic to these websites.

He has been the publisher of Stereophile since 1998.

 

[respice finem]

IDK, maybe it's different in the US, but in the EU it seems to be "a dying trade".

 

[Linnie]

Don't worry too much. In Germany, leading audio magazines have been sold as well. And they are still as stupid as ever

 

[fatoldgit]

Am I the only one who feels that: " Paul Miller, Editorial Director of AVTech Media and incoming Technical Editor
of Stereophile. “It was important to us that this revered hi-fi brand... " is weird? Stereophile is a HiFi Brand... Huh.
I'm glad none of my hard earned money ever went anywhere near there.

whats more interesting is JA is currently Technical Director... so if Paul Miller is "incoming Technical Editor of Stereophile" how does that gel with what JA does?

Peter

 

[DVinylfan]

".. representing more than 130 years of hi-fi
publishing history.."
What was their publication 130 years ago?

Denon DL-103 Digest

 

[Frank Dernie]

whats more interesting is JA is currently Technical Director... so if Paul Miller is "incoming Technical Editor of Stereophile" how does that gel with what JA does?

Peter

I believe JA and Paul Miller have been collaborators for a very long time and Paul probably almost a generation younger than John, who maybe wants to retire anyway!

 

[Linnie]

To be honest: In one of last year’s issues of Audio+Stereoplay this article on loudspeaker basics was published. They cite Floyd Toole and his findings, including his book on sound reproduction. It’s not that magazine people wouldn’t know about audio electronics. It’s just not their business to teach their readers and to help them buying proper gear. Magazine’s business is to help manufacturers _selling_ their gear.

 

[daniboun]

@amirm when Pray Media Holdings buys ASR, I hope we can all go celebrate together in the USA.))))

 

[Linnie]

"Actively managed by Faith Investor Services, the ETF seeks to allow investors to align their investment portfolios with Christian values." ...No thanks, I don't need desert death cult values. I just cancelled my subscription.

Worldviews aside, I think their ETF doesn't perform bad. If they really care for human values, even better.