Two weeks after equalpride CEO Mark Berryhill expressed “full confidence” in Jay Katari and told employees to prioritize meetings with him, the company halted those conversations.

The editorial staff of some of the country’s most prominent LGBTQ+ publications presented a united front Monday, publicly demanding answers from their parent company equalpride after a report revealed that one of its board members had expressed support for President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

The controversy came just two weeks after equalpride CEO Mark Berryhill enthusiastically announced that Jay Katari would take a more active role across the company. Equalpride has owned the LGBTQ+ news brands The Advocate, Out, Pride.com, Out Traveler and Plus since 2022 and acquired Them this year.

  • BonkTheAnnoyed@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    0·
    5 days ago

    Berryhill told employees Monday that equalpride came to know Katari through a private equity fund that has helped finance the company for several years. Katari is an investor in that fund, which holds interests in businesses across several industries, Berryhill said.

    Private equity will lead to the destruction of these formerly independent news outlets. Accelerating consolidation, driven by private equity, hastens that end.

    Like @[email protected] posted, a co-op would be a better solution

  • fonix232@fedia.io
    0·
    5 days ago

    In an August 31 email to employees, Berryhill said Katari “genuinely loves what we do at equalpride and believes deeply in our mission.”

    I know this is corpo-speak for “he’s your new boss, do what he says” but come on, at least not blatantly LIE about things that are easily verified!