What Happened to The Boston Globe?

The Boston Globe, founded in 1872, has undergone significant transformations to remain a leading voice in New England journalism. After being privately held for over a century and then a subsidiary of The New York Times Company, it was acquired by Boston Red Sox owner John W. Henry for $70 million in 2013, a fraction of its previous valuation. Under Henry's Boston Globe Media Partners, the newspaper has aggressively pursued a digital subscription model, a strategy widely seen as successful for a regional publication.

This digital pivot has been a key turning point, allowing the Globe to offset declining print revenues. As of 2023, the paper reported 257,211 digital subscribers. However, growth in paid digital circulation slowed in late 2024 and 2025, reaching 260,500 by late 2025, prompting the Globe to stop reporting these figures to the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) periodically, though a spokesperson maintained that digital subscriptions were 'thriving.' Concurrently, print circulation has continued its downward trend, with average weekday paid print circulation at 51,626 and Sunday at 89,809 for the 12 months ending August 2025.

In terms of editorial leadership, Brian McGrory, who previously served as editor from 2012 to early 2023, returned to the top editorial position on January 5, 2026, replacing Nancy Barnes. Barnes, the first woman to lead the newspaper, held the role for just under three years. This return signals a continuation of leadership familiar with the Globe's recent strategic direction. The company has also expanded its portfolio, notably acquiring Boston magazine from Metrocorp Publishing on January 22, 2025, integrating a prominent lifestyle and investigative publication into its offerings. This acquisition was followed by an expansion of Boston magazine's print availability across Massachusetts in October 2025.

As of April 2026, The Boston Globe continues to be a significant media entity in New England. It hosts various events, including the annual 'Future of Medicine' summit (first held in November 2024) and the 'Tech Innovation Summit' (scheduled for June 2026), demonstrating its engagement with regional industries and thought leadership. The Globe also publishes an annual list of 'New England's Fastest Growing Companies,' with the 2026 list released in March. Furthermore, in February 2026, Boston Globe Media partnered with the Minuteman Library Network to offer free digital access to its content, aiming to deepen community connection and expand readership. John Henry's commitment to the Globe appears strong, with analysts noting his different motivations compared to other billionaire newspaper owners, suggesting a stable future for the publication.