Hearst

Founded in 1887 by the audacious William Randolph Hearst, Hearst Corporation burst onto the scene like a media juggernaut with a penchant for sensationalism and a knack for cornering every market from newspapers to magazines. Known for its empire of periodicals—think “Cosmopolitan” and “Esquire”—and a portfolio so vast it would make Monopoly’s rich list look like a game of checkers, Hearst has had its share of defining moments. From Hearst’s hyperbolic newspaper wars to the 2010 acquisition of the San Francisco Chronicle, the company has perpetually danced on the edge of scandal, including accusations of yellow journalism and monopolistic practices. With a valuation flirting around $20 billion, Hearst remains a heavyweight in media and entertainment, but not without its controversies—like the bitter spats over its enormous land holdings and legal battles. Today, under the leadership of CEO Steve Swartz, the company continues to navigate the shifting sands of digital disruption while maintaining a decidedly old-school grip on its vaunted media empire, proving that while some things change, Hearst’s knack for stirring the pot remains refreshingly consistent.