“Real Detroit Weekly has published the best in music and entertainment coverage for over 15 years,” says Badanjek. “We’re excited to join forces with the Metro Times to create a ‘superweekly’ that will offer metro Detroiters more music, art, political, dining and nightlife coverage than previously possible.
“With an aggressive increase in circulation, the new paper will be capable of serving the needs of both Metro Times and Real Detroit Weekly readers. The new paper will feature the Metro Times’ award-winning journalism combined with Real Detroit's cutting-edge stories.”
Of the merger, Keating says, “John and I are both excited to merge these brands into one. Undeniably, it's great to have a partnership where we maintain local ownership as well as continue to employ the hard-working people that really make these two papers great. Moving forward, the new company will take the best of both from Real Detroit Weekly and Metro Times — print, digital and events — and re-launch into a stronger and more balanced voice for the greater Detroit community. John will continue to raise hell, as he's been doing for the past 15 years, and also focus on expanding our audience through an increase in signature events."
