• by Ray Schultz , August 14, 2023

Self-proclaimed billionaire Manoj Bhargava has acquired a media empire in one fell swoop. 

Bhargava, the founder of 5-hour Energy, purchased a two-third stake in The Arena Group, publisher of Sports Illustrated, Parade, Men’s Journal, The Street, Hubpages, Surfer and other properties.  

In addition, Bhargava has signed an agreement to combine the broadcast networks of Simplify Inventions with The Arena Group Holdings and its properties.

Bhargava also announced his acquisition of:

• SportsNews Highlights and Newsnet, national TV networks. 
• iMedia Brands, parent of ShopHQ TV 
• Media Digital Services, a provider of programmatic and OtT software services.  

Terms were not disclosed.  

Bhargava argues, "Media companies have become so enamored of delivery technology that they have forgotten the basics – advertisers (their customers), their most valuable audience and even content gets a back seat. Sounds like a great opportunity to me."