CityBeat was born in November 1994 with a simple idea: Cincinnati deserved an independent voice to tell the stories of our underserved communities. Backed by Thomas Schiff and co-founded by John Fox, CityBeat quickly became the place for stories that didn’t fit neatly anywhere else.
For 31 years, we’ve covered the city’s wins, losses, music, food, politics, culture and characters, often with a wink, sometimes with a raised eyebrow, but always with heart. Along the way, we’ve picked up national and statewide journalism and design awards, including being named Ohio’s Best Weekly Paper by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Through ownership changes (a sale to SouthComm Communications in 2012, then Euclid Media Group in 2018 and finally Big Lou Holdings in 2023), CityBeat has remained committed to fearless local storytelling.
Now, as of December 2025, CityBeat begins a new era (and returns to local ownership) with LINK Media. We honor the scrappy, independent spirit that built this publication while investing in a strong future for local journalism.
We’re still curious. Still stubbornly independent. Still proudly Cincinnati. And we’re just getting started.
Mission:
CityBeat serves Cincinnati with independent local journalism that informs our readers, elevates unheard voices and keeps our community vibrant.
Guiding Principles:
Solutions-Focused
We don’t just report the news of the day. We dig deeper, informing our audience about how our community might solve its biggest issues.
Unapologetic Cincinnati Fans
We believe in this community—in what it is today, and what it has the potential to become. We want to see Cincinnati advance, and we understand the part that we play in that advancement.
Inclusive
We explore the issues that affect all of Cincinnati, and give a voice to all segments of our diverse community.
Good Stewards
It is our responsibility to make good use of our resources and to maintain a sustainable business model, so that we may serve the community long into the future.
Independent
The publication does not make endorsements, and has a commitment to fact-based reporting about the issues that are facing Cincinnati. In addition to our reporting, outside opinions from multiple viewpoints will be sought, and clearly marked as such, in order to provide the robust debate that our community needs to make critical decisions about our collective future.