Broad + Liberty, where I’m a regular contributor, announced that they have joined forces with the Access Network.
You can read the announcement below:
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Two of the region’s
fastest-growing media companies, Broad
+ Liberty and Access Network, have officially joined forces, with Broad + Liberty acquiring Access
Network to form a united, cutting-edge state and local multimedia company
serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The new company, Fideri News Network, combines
award-winning journalism, balanced political coverage, local news, sports,
podcasts, digital content, radio, e-commerce, and event ticketing under one
mission. By pairing editorial excellence with business innovation and scalable
infrastructure, Fideri aims to build a sustainable model for revitalized local
media in one of the nation’s most historically significant—and fiercely
contested—media landscapes.
At a time when
local journalism is vanishing nationwide, and PA and NJ markets are left behind
by legacy newsrooms, the need for community-rooted media has never been
greater. A free and open society depends not just on national headlines, but on
local voices—those who understand the stakes of a school board vote, a county
budget, or a contested judicial race.
That’s why Fideri
will deliver more than headlines. Through WBCB
Sports and OnPattison.com,
we’ll grow the coverage fans already rely on—from Friday night high school
matchups to smart, engaging commentary on the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers that
cuts through the noise and speaks directly to Philly sports fans. With
podcasts, short-form video, broadcast radio, and more across sports, culture,
local news, and politics, Fideri is building a dynamic multimedia ecosystem
that meets people where they are.
Principled local
journalism serves as both a mirror and a compass. It reflects the lived
experiences of our communities while guiding public discourse with integrity,
transparency, and a commitment to truth over narrative. This new initiative
aims to revive the civic fabric of our region by giving readers the context,
facts, and voices they need to participate fully and faithfully in our shared
public life.
“Broad + Liberty was founded with the
belief that local media must do more than simply report — it must inform with
clarity, challenge with civility, and hold power to account without fear or
favor.” said Terry Tracy,
founder and CEO of Broad + Liberty.
James McDonald, founder and CEO of Access Network,
added, “We believe we have a strong model and strategy to be the leader in the
local digital news marketplace and have combined assets to position the company
as such right from the start. I’m excited about helping to scale the company
rapidly.”
Tracy continued,
“In an age of polarization and information overload, restoring trust by telling
stories other outlets won’t is central to the company’s mission. Hence, the
choice of the name Fideri—drawn from the Latin root meaning ‘to trust’ or ‘to
be faithful.’ It is a reminder that trust is not given—it is earned, story by
story, through diligence, fairness, and the courage to speak when silence is
more convenient.”
In bearing that
name, Fideri affirms its role not only as a reporter of news, but as a steward
of the public good.
Fideri represents
commitment to the facts, to the communities served, and to the timeless
principles that uphold our institutions and bind us together.
Leadership & Governance
The combined
company will operate with a unified leadership structure:
· Terry
Tracy, CEO of Broad + Liberty, will lead the content
strategy and oversee all day-to-day operations as Publisher and Chief Executive Officer.
· James
McDonald, founder
and CEO of Access Network, will continue as Chairman
and board member, overseeing governance and corporate development.
This structure
supports ambitious multi-market growth while preserving the editorial integrity
and mission of each brand.
Additionally the
company is poised to announce the acquisition of 10 more clustered sites within
the next 30 days. This will bring the number of sites to 29, creating one of the largest native digital media
audiences in Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia metropolitan
area and Jersey Shore.
Commerce, Events & Multimedia
Beyond
journalism, the company offers integrated services that generate revenue and
deepen community ties:
· Event
Ticketing & Registration for festivals, attractions, and fundraisers
· E-Commerce for local products and small
business affiliates
· Advertising
& Sponsorships,
newsletters, native content, programmatic display and paid content programs
A New Model for Local Media
This merger is
not just about growth, it’s a blueprint. The network model demonstrates that
local news can be both principled and self-sufficient through smart governance,
market alignment, and community-centered innovation.
The company plans
continued expansion into underserved markets, with a focus on restoring vital
local coverage, supporting economic development, and connecting communities
through journalism and commerce.
Media Contacts: Olivia DeMarco, Chief of Staff odemarco@broadandliberty.com | Taylor Tappen, Marketing Director tmtappen@accessgmt.com
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