What Modern Media does

Meta Media Holdings Limited (formerly Modern Media Holdings Limited; ticker HKG:0072) is a publicly listed Chinese high-end media conglomerate founded in 1993 by Shao Zhong (邵忠) and headquartered in Shanghai with principal operations in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shenzhen. The group operates a multi-format portfolio spanning 10+ premium magazines (Modern Weekly, InStyle China, Bloomberg Businessweek China, Numéro China, IDEAT China, ArtReview, ArtReview Asia, LEAP, Life Magazine, City Magazine, The Art Journal), licensed Chinese editions of international titles, mobile apps (iWeekly, NOWNESS), and physical experiential venues (ZiWU誌屋, Modern Studio, Modern Workshop, Modern Art Kitchen). Its technology stack includes AI-powered content creation via a partnership with Baidu Wenxin Yiyan for AIGC, recommendation engines, and a proprietary Web3 metaverse platform (Meta City/元邦), which the company claims is China's first metaverse city platform built by a media group.

Revenue is generated through six streams: print magazine subscriptions and newsstand sales, digital subscriptions across owned apps and websites, advertising and sponsorship (native ads, product placements, event sponsorships), events and exhibitions including Art Basel Hong Kong media partnership and the West Bund Art and Design Expo, premium membership clubs (Elite Club/优家荟 for professional women, The Cultivist for art collectors), and e-commerce via an official Taobao storefront. The company's go-to-market is hybrid: event-driven (art fairs, brand dinners, ZiWU exhibitions), community-led (membership clubs, Meta Wave Awards), and direct-to-consumer (apps, websites, subscriptions). Its customers are affluent urban Chinese professionals and global luxury brands, with target audiences including art collectors, professional women, and corporate advertisers seeking premium editorial environments to reach high-net-worth Chinese consumers.

The business is supported by long-term international publishing partnerships (Bloomberg L.P., Time Inc., IDEAT Editions, Louis Vuitton Malletier/NOWNESS), institutional art alliances (V&A Museum, K11 Art Foundation, Asia Society Hong Kong, Asia Art Archive, Para Site), and a corporate social responsibility arm via the Shao Zhong Art Foundation and Special Education Foundation. The company is publicly listed on the Hong Kong Main Board since September 2009, has 251-500 employees, and operates a Cayman Islands-registered holding company structure.

Name

Modern Media

Legal name

Meta Media Holdings Limited (超媒体控股有限公司)

Website

https://modernmedia.com.cn

Company type

Public

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Meta Media (formerly Modern Media) is a Hong Kong-listed Chinese high-end media group operating 10+ premium magazines (Modern Weekly, InStyle China, Bloomberg Businessweek China, Numéro China, ArtReview) plus digital apps, physical spaces (ZiWU誌屋), and the Meta City metaverse platform, serving affluent urban consumers and global luxury brand advertisers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Media and Publishing

NAICS

Periodical Publishers (513120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418)

SIC

Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer Lifestyle & Fashion Magazines (MPAJAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Culture & Literary Magazines (MPAJAEAN), Community-Integrated Publishing Platforms (MPACAIAI), Metaverse & Social Virtual Worlds (BPAMAKAF), Hybrid/Virtual Corporate Events & Webcasts (Town Halls, Virtual Launches) (MPAGAHAK)

Keywords

• Premium lifestyle publishing
• Art and culture media
• Digital magazine platforms
• Luxury brand advertising
• Cultural event media

Headquarters

HQ city

Guangzhou

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Magazine Publishing & Print Media: High-end magazine publishing including both owned titles (Modern Weekly, Life Magazine, City Magazine, InStyle, Numero China, IDEAT, Bloomberg Businessweek China, LEAP, ArtReview/ArtReview Asia, The Art Journal) and licensed international editions. Revenue from newsstand sales and subscriptions.
2. Digital Media & App Products: Revenue from digital content distribution via owned websites and mobile apps (iWeekly, Bloomberg Businessweek app, InStyle iLady, NOWNESS, IDEAT, Art Calendar, iArt, LOHAS, iMagazine), as well as online platforms (Modern Weekly website, Nowness.cn, Numero.com.cn, bbwc.cn).
3. Advertising & Sponsorship: Customized advertising services for brand clients leveraging the group's high-end media platforms. New advertising formats include native ads and product placements. Sponsorship of cultural events and art programs.
4. Events, Exhibitions &空间 Platform: Organization of and participation in art exhibitions, forums, lectures, and large-scale art fairs (Art Basel Hong Kong, West Bund Art and Design Expo). Revenue from event sponsorships, booth fees, and ticket sales. Physical space venues (ZiWU誌屋, Modern Studio, Modern Art Kitchen, Modern Workshop) serve as experiential retail/event venues.
5. Premium Membership & Clubs: Exclusive membership programs including 优家荟 (Elite Club) for professional women and The Cultivist for art collectors, offering private viewings, curated tours, and exclusive access to art events.
6. E-commerce & Subscription: E-commerce integration through Taobao storefronts for magazine subscriptions and merchandise. Subscription services for premium content and exclusive value-added services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Modern Media (Meta Media Holdings Limited) is a publicly listed Chinese high-end media conglomerate that publishes over 10 premium magazines across art, fashion, lifestyle, and business (including Modern Weekly, InStyle China, Bloomberg Businessweek China, Numéro China, IDEAT China, ArtReview, The Art Journal, LEAP, Life Magazine, and City Magazine) under both owned titles and licensed international partnerships. The group distributes content through owned digital platforms (iWeekly mobile app, NOWNESS video platform, branded websites), physical experiential spaces (ZiWU誌屋, Modern Studio, Modern Art Kitchen), a metaverse city platform (Meta City), and sells customized advertising, event sponsorships, and brand activations to luxury and premium advertisers.

Product overview

Modern Media (Meta Media Holdings) operates as a multi-platform high-end media conglomerate with a portfolio of over 10 magazines and digital platforms spanning fashion, lifestyle, business, and art sectors. The company's core print products include Modern Weekly, InStyle China, Bloomberg Businessweek China, Numéro China, IDEAT China, ArtReview, The Art Journal, LEAP, Life Magazine, and City Magazine. Beyond print, the company has expanded into digital media (iWeekly app, Nowness video platform), metaverse platforms (Meta City), and physical space experiences (ZiWU, Modern Studio, Modern Workshop). The portfolio also includes membership clubs (The Cultivist, Elite Club) and art foundations, creating an integrated ecosystem connecting print, digital, and experiential content across art, fashion, design, and lifestyle domains.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 周末画报 (Modern Weekly): Flagship lifestyle magazine covering fashion, culture and trends
• 生活月刊 (Life Magazine)
• 号外 (City Magazine)
• 优家画报 (InStyle)
• Numero中文版 (Numéro China)
• 商业周刊/中文版 (Bloomberg Businessweek China)
• IDEAT 理想家
• ArtReview / 艺术世界
• NOWNESS 现在
• iWeekly 周末画报
• ZiWU 誌屋
• Modern Studio
• Modern Workshop
• Modern Art Kitchen
• 艺旅会 (The Cultivist)
• 优家荟 (Elite Club)
• 元邦 (Meta City)
• LEAP 艺术界
• 艺术新闻 (The Art-Journal)
• 收藏/拍卖 (Collection/Auction)

Products and services

• Modern Weekly (周末画报) Flagship weekly magazine covering fashion, lifestyle, and cultural trends in China for urban white-collar readers.
• InStyle China (优家画报) Chinese edition of InStyle providing international fashion, beauty, and celebrity coverage with local cultural relevance for professional women.
• Bloomberg Businessweek China (商业周刊/中文版) Chinese edition of Bloomberg Businessweek providing business news, market analysis, and financial reporting for Chinese executives and professionals.
• Numéro China (Numero中文版) High-end fashion photography magazine combining artistic vision with fashion editorial content for affluent Chinese readers.
• IDEAT China (理想家) Design and architecture magazine featuring contemporary design, interiors, and creative living spaces, published under partnership with IDEAT Editions France.
• ArtReview / ArtReview Asia (艺术世界) International contemporary art criticism and commentary magazine providing in-depth art reviews and features, plus an Asia-focused edition covering contemporary art across the region.
• The Art Journal (艺术新闻) Art news publication providing comprehensive coverage of international art exhibitions, events, and market trends.
• LEAP (艺术界) Bilingual contemporary art magazine focused on Chinese and international contemporary art scenes.
• Life Magazine (生活) Monthly lifestyle magazine covering culture, travel, and sophisticated living with multiple SOPA Excellence in Design Awards (2016, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024).
• City Magazine (号外)

Quantifiable outcome

• Acquired controlling stake in Nowness (Louis Vuitton's creative video platform) in 2018, expanding into global markets and enhancing international brand influence.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Art Basel Hong KongcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 February 2025Meta Media Group is the official Media Partner for Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, held March 28–30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The group provides comprehensive communication support across its media platforms spanning Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and London, including curated publications, events, and exclusive partner engagement opportunities. Participating publications include Modern Weekly, City Magazine, NOWNESS, NOWNESS ASIA, ArtReview, ArtReview Asia, The Art Journal, InStyle, Bloomberg Businessweek China, Numero China, and IDEAT China.
• Videotage (录映太奇)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2025NOWNESS ASIA, Meta Media's cultural video platform, collaborates with Hong Kong nonprofit video art organization Videotage in Art Basel Hong Kong's 'Film' sector, co-curating video art programming.
• Asia Society Hong Kong CenterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 February 2025Meta Media Group partners with Asia Society Hong Kong Center for collaborative events including talks, parties, and dinners as part of Art Basel Hong Kong programming to enhance Hong Kong's position as a global cultural hub.
• Asia Art ArchiveminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 February 2025Partnership with Asia Art Archive for collaborative cultural events and programming as part of Meta Media Group's Art Basel Hong Kong media activities.
• Para Site艺术空间minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 February 2025Partnership with Para Site art space for collaborative events, talks, and cultural programming as part of Meta Media Group's Art Basel Hong Kong media partnership activities.
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2018The Shao Zhong Art Foundation, established by Meta Media Group founder Thomas Shao, co-funded the £3 million first-phase project of the V&A Photography Centre (opened October 2018). Modern Media Gallery was established within the Photography Centre as part of the 'cultural study' galleries. The foundation and group founder Thomas Shao attended the opening ceremony hosted by Kate Middleton.
• Louis Vuitton MalletiercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Meta Media Group acquired controlling stake in Nowness, the global creative lifestyle video platform originally under Louis Vuitton Malletier, marking a new era of Videozine and significantly expanding the group's international market presence and brand influence.
• Bloomberg L.P.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership with Bloomberg L.P. to jointly publish the Chinese edition of Bloomberg Businessweek magazine, distributing it through Meta Media Group's established distribution channels in China.
• Time Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term international publishing partnership with Time Inc. to produce licensed Chinese editions of internationally renowned magazines, enhancing the group's portfolio of premium lifestyle content.
• IDEAT Editions (France)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with French publishing group IDEAT Editions to publish the Chinese edition of IDEAT magazine, covering design, architecture, and lifestyle content.
• Secoo (寺库)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with luxury e-commerce platform Secoo to explore new business opportunities in art, collectibles, and digital art assets, combining Meta Media's content expertise with Secoo's luxury commerce platform.
• West Bund Art and Design ExpominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMeta Media Group participates in and enhances industry influence through the West Bund Art and Design Expo, a major annual art and design fair in Shanghai.
• K11 Art FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeta Media Group collaborates with K11 Art Foundation on cultural initiatives, including the K11 Art Foundation Prize, recognizing visionaries shaping the future of culture.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hypebeast: Digital-first fashion, art, and culture media platform with strong Gen Z / millennial affluent audience; comparable to NOWNESS and Modern Media's lifestyle digital ecosystem, especially for premium brand storytelling and event-driven content.
• Prestige Media (Hong Kong / Asia): Asia-focused luxury lifestyle and society media with strong event and club components; comparable business-model layer to Modern Media's Elite Club and Cultivist plus art fair / brand activation ecosystem.
• L'Officiel China (L'Officiel Hommes / Madame Figaro): International fashion magazine group with Chinese editions; competes directly with InStyle China, Numéro China, and Modern Weekly for premium fashion advertising and luxury brand collaborations.
• Tatler Asia (Edipresse Asia): Asia-focused premium lifestyle and society magazine group; directly comparable high-end event-driven, membership-led model targeting HNW readers and luxury advertisers across Greater China and Southeast Asia.
• Dazed Media: Independent youth-culture and fashion magazine / digital media brand; closely comparable to Modern Media's NOWNESS and Numéro China in targeting fashion-forward cultural consumers, and notably shows up as a partner email domain for Meta Media.

Emerging players

• i-D Magazine: Fashion and culture publication with strong visual identity; overlaps with NOWNESS's videozine-style creative short-film approach and Modern Media's overall fashion/art positioning, though with a less developed China presence.

Others

• ArtReview (pre-Meta Media global edition): Global art-criticism magazine in which Meta Media holds a controlling interest; included as a peer given its international editorial footprint, though it now sits inside the Meta Media group rather than competing with it externally.

Regional players

• Phoenix Media (凤凰传媒): Large Chinese publishing and media group with diversified magazine, book, and digital assets; overlaps with Meta Media in mainland China but operates at significantly larger scale across more mass-market editorial verticals.

Broad incumbents

• Condé Nast (Vogue China, GQ China, Architectural Digest): Global premium magazine publisher whose Chinese editions (Vogue, GQ, AD) compete directly with Meta Media's InStyle, Numéro, and IDEAT for the same affluent Chinese luxury and lifestyle advertising spend; recently hired Modern Media's long-time Group Fashion Director, evidencing direct talent overlap.
• Hearst (Harper's Bazaar China, Cosmopolitan China, Esquire China): Major international magazine publisher with multi-title presence in China; competes with Meta Media across fashion, lifestyle, and business categories for both licensed-edition deals and premium advertising budgets from the same luxury brand clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ModernMediaCN

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Modern Media