In Rhode Island, stories aren’t just told – they’re shared, remembered, and held onto like treasured family recipes. These tangible clips travel from cafe tables to boutique walls, intertwining with the daily buzz of the community. For 50 years, Hey Rhody Media Co. (HRMC), formerly Providence Media, has been at the center of it all, reporting on the stories that bind neighborhoods, people, and dreams into a vibrant mosaic of Rhode Island life.
Leading this journalism powerhouse are Richard Fleischer, and Barry Fain and John Howell, both inductees into the Rhode Island Journalism Hall of Fame. This trio’s journey is as Rhode Island as it gets: no boardrooms or corporate lingo, just handshakes, grit, and a steadfast belief in the power of human connection. “Fifty years later, we’re still friends, and we’re still here,” Fleischer says. “That’s an accomplishment.”
It all began in 1975 when Howell and his business partner, Tony Ritacco, launched a modest publication called East Side Weekly. The mission? To spotlight Providence’s vibrant East Side neighborhoods. “We never imagined it would grow beyond a local publication,” Howell reflects.
Armed with little more than determination and a do-it-yourself attitude, the small team found strength in their complementary skills: Howell’s editorial sharpness, Fain’s deep community connections, and Fleischer’s advertising expertise. Together, they created something that exceeded their expectations.
Their breakthrough came with the launch of East Side Monthly, a free publication mailed directly to residents in the 02906 zip code. “We celebrated the community,” Fleischer recalls. “And we learned how to meet readers where they were.” That adaptability became HRMC’s hallmark, guiding its evolution over the decades.
By the early 2000s, HRMC expanded its portfolio, introducing Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody to serve readers by covering stories across the Ocean State. Each publication carried the same DNA: a commitment to uplifting communities, championing small businesses, and preserving Rhode Island’s unique independent coastal spirit.
Then came 2020, a year that redefined resilience. Like countless small businesses, HRMC faced pandemic-era challenges head-on. Rapid shifts in readership, advertising, and distribution forced the company to merge publications, rethink strategies, and deepen its digital presence. The result? A 2023 rebrand that unified all four titles under the Hey Rhody banner, signaling a new chapter for the company.
Operating with a tight-knit team of 13, HRMC punches well above its weight. Its four magazines collectively reach over 200,000 readers monthly, proving that impact is defined by connection, not size.
But the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. The rise of digital platforms like Craigslist and social media disrupted traditional advertising models, cutting into key revenue streams such as classifieds and static display ads. “The shifts in advertising forced us to adapt,” Fleischer explains. HRMC diversified its offerings, incorporating newsletters, YouTube content, and digital advertising into its repertoire. Events and collaborations with local businesses became vital lifelines, helping the company thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Beyond storytelling, HRMC strengthens the fabric of the community by connecting
independent businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Its pages feature inspiring stories of determined entrepreneurs chasing dreams, nonprofits making an impact, and the creative culture that defines Rhode Island. “Our magazines, websites, and social channels are a love letter to Rhode Island,” Fleischer says. “We highlight its people, its diversity, and its one-of-a-kind spirit.”
But its influence doesn’t end there. For Fleischer, the company’s legacy lies in its ripple effect. “Publishing isn’t just about telling stories. It’s about teamwork, branding, and running a small business. Over the years, many of our employees have gone on to incredible careers in journalism, design, and event planning. It’s rewarding to see their success.”
Through every twist and turn, the company has stayed true to its roots. “I hope the company remains local and continues to grow,” Howell says. His advice to the next generation of media makers is simple: “Listen to your community,” and, he adds wryly, “Stock up on wine.”
For five decades, HRMC has been a cheerleader for Rhode Island. It’s the magazine you grab at your favorite market, the one that tips you off to your neighbor’s farmstand and shines a spotlight on that cafe you visit religiously. It doesn’t shout for attention – it celebrates with quiet pride.
In an era where big media often drowns out local voices, HRMC stands as a testament to the power of small companies with big hearts, as Rhode Island’s chroniclers, boosters, and soul, reminding us that every story matters and every voice deserves to be heard.
It wouldn’t be a Hey Rhody Media Co. celebration without raising a Del’s Lemonade to other local businesses hitting major milestones! From century-old icons to small-town gems, these Rhode Island institutions remind us that great things stand the test of time. If we missed your favorite legacy business, let us know at Marketing@HeyRhody.com.
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