By Florida Weekly Staff
Hoffmann Media Group, parent company of Florida Weekly newspapers, has purchased Florida Health Care News, a group of health care newspapers in Florida. The Hoffmann Family of Companies owns the media group.
Founded in 1987, “Florida Health Care News is the oldest and largest family of health care information publications in the state,” said Barry Levine, founder and executive publisher. “It was important that our buyer was aligned with preserving and expanding on that format.”
Angela Schivinski, a 13-year media executive at Florida Weekly, has been named publisher, succeeding Mr. Levine, who is retiring. The current Florida Health Care News staff of more than 12 editors, writers and employees will remain with the new company.
Florida Health Care News is solo-direct mailed quarterly to nearly 500,000 Florida residents over the age of 50, in 25 locales. In addition, newspapers are hand delivered to hospitals, doctors’ offices, dentists, assisted living facilities and retirement communities in each market. Editions are online at www.ifoundmydoctor.com.
Professional writers produce the content after interviews with health care providers and patients, who provide information about the treatment and outcomes of procedures. Florida Health
Care News is HIPAA compliant, through agreements with each health care provider.
“I look forward to continuing Mr. Levine’s legacy at Florida Health Care News, allowing health care providers the opportunity to share real patient stories telling about their health care experiences,” said Ms. Schivinski.
Pason Gaddis, Hoffmann Media Group CEO, said, “We plan to invest heavily in the operations to add more markets in Florida, along with scaling www.ifoundmydoctor.com to a national health care referral site.”
The acquisition expands Hoffmann Media Group to 10 publications in Florida, which include the Ave Maria Sun, Bonita Springs Florida Weekly, Babcock Ranch Telegraph, Charlotte Florida Weekly, Fort Myers Florida Weekly, Key West Florida Weekly, Naples Florida Weekly, Palm Beach Florida Weekly and the Town Chronicle.
In addition to print and online news, Hoffmann Media Group also offers digital services such as targeted online advertising, search engine optimization, website design and other services that may be beyond reach for small businesses, an added benefit and offering to smaller communities without access to as many business-to-business services.