Be Afraid Media Acquires Dread Central: A New Era for Horror Journalism

Be Afraid Media, an independent horror production company, officially launched on Tuesday with the acquisition of Dread Central, a prominent digital media outlet dedicated to horror film, television, and fandom since its inception in 2006. The acquisition coincides with Dread Central's approach to its 20th anniversary. Brad Miska, the founder of Be Afraid and co-founder of Bloody Disgusting, aims to expand Dread Central's reach while maintaining its integrity and independence. Miska stated, “Dread Central has been a trusted voice in horror for nearly two decades. Our goal is to expand its reach and accessibility while preserving the integrity and independence that its audience values.”

Variety MagazineHollywood ReporterHorror Site Dread Central Has A Surprising New OwnerBrad Miska

Dread Central has established itself as a credible source in the horror genre, building relationships with filmmakers and fans alike. However, the outlet has faced financial challenges, including a Kickstarter campaign in 2016 to sustain operations. Epic Pictures acquired Dread Central in 2017, and under Be Afraid's ownership, the site will continue to operate independently while collaborating with Epic on various projects.

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Brad Miska, who has spent 25 years shaping modern horror, is recognized for his role in the success of the V/H/S franchise and the Terrifier films. His experience in horror media and production positions him well to lead Dread Central into its next phase. Miska's immediate focus includes revitalizing DreadTV, a horror film FAST channel, and developing a robust podcast network. He expressed a commitment to expanding across the horror ecosystem, including live events, merchandise, and original content development.

Brad Miska

Jon Condit, co-founder of Dread Central, praised Be Afraid's leadership, stating, “There is no team better suited to take the helm of Dread Central. They understand the genre, they respect the audience, and they have the experience to guide Dread into its next era.” Heather Luttrell, CEO of Be Afraid, emphasized the importance of honoring the genre's legacy while creating a sustainable future for fans and creators.

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Be Afraid Media's acquisition of Dread Central is expected to enhance the horror community's engagement, with a combined audience reach of over 16 million across various platforms. Miska's vision includes acquiring key genre assets and developing new intellectual properties internally, aiming to establish Be Afraid as the most beloved and trusted brand in horror.

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While the acquisition marks a significant shift in the horror media landscape, some sources indicate that Dread Central has struggled with financial viability in the past. The specifics of how Be Afraid plans to address these challenges remain to be fully detailed.

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• “Dread Central has been a trusted voice in horror for nearly two decades,” — Brad Miska, Founder of Be Afraid Media

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• “ Jon Condit, Dread Central co-founder, adds: “There is no team better suited to take the helm of Dread Central.” — Jon Condit, Co-founder of Dread Central

Horror Site Dread Central Has A Surprising New Owner

• “We’re building a platform that honors the genre’s legacy, while creating a sustainable future that puts fans and creators first.” — Heather Luttrell, CEO of Be Afraid Media

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