Coconuts Media: The Rise and Evolution of a Digital News Network
The landscape of digital journalism in Southeast Asia was significantly shaped by the emergence of Coconuts Media. Inspired by the fast-paced, punchy style of US-based digital outlets like BuzzFeed, Vice, Gawker, and the Gothamist network, Coconuts Media sought to bring a similar energy to regional reporting.
The Founding and Early Growth
Coconuts Media was founded on September 19, 2011, by American journalist and entrepreneur Byron Perry. The venture began modestly, operating out of Perry's apartment in Bangkok. In its earliest months, Perry acted as the primary engine of the site, self-publishing nearly all of the initial articles.
Perry brought a wealth of professional experience to the venture. His career began as an Editorial Fellow for San Francisco Magazine, followed by a role as a copy editor at the prestigious Hollywood trade publication Variety. During his time at Variety, he covered high-profile movie premieres, reported on talent agency signings, and was part of the coverage team for the 2008 Academy Awards. Before launching Coconuts, Perry also worked as a reporter for The Phnom Penh Post in Siem Reap and served as Executive Editor for Property Report and Helm magazine at Ensign Media.
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Regional Expansion
Following its successful start in Thailand, the network expanded rapidly across Asia to capture diverse urban markets:
- November 2012: Launched its first international branch in Manila.
- August 2013: Expanded operations into Singapore.
- September 2013: Established a regional office in Hong Kong.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Recognition
In March 2015, Coconuts Media entered a strategic two-year content partnership with ABS-CBN. This agreement allowed the two organizations to exchange news, features, and video content. For ABS-CBN, the goal was to achieve more granular coverage within Southeast Asia, while Coconuts Media utilized the partnership to strengthen its reporting on sports and hard news.
The network's commitment to impactful storytelling earned it several accolades from the SOPA (Society of Professional Alternatives) Awards:
- 2015: Received an Honorable Mention for "Hidden in Plain Sight," a report on street children in Bangkok.
- 2016: Managing Editor Laurel Chor won a SOPA for Excellence in Feature Photography for her profile of Mui Thomas, a woman living with harlequin ichthyosis (a rare and debilitating skin disease).
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Diversification and Recent Changes
Coconuts Media continued to grow its portfolio by acquiring BK Magazine, a Bangkok-based print and online lifestyle publication, in 2021.
However, the digital media landscape presented significant hurdles. On December 19, 2023, Chairman Byron Perry announced the closure of Coconuts Tabloid Media. Perry cited regional journalistic challenges and the difficulty of maintaining financial sustainability as the primary reasons for the shutdown.
Despite the closure of the tabloid arm, the parent company, Coconuts Media, remains active. It continues to operate several subsidiaries, including BK Magazine, Soimilk, and Grove.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 19, 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Founder: Byron Perry.
- Key Markets: Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- Major Acquisition: BK Magazine (2021).
- Notable Partnership: Two-year content exchange with ABS-CBN starting in 2015.
- Current Status: Coconuts Tabloid Media closed in 2023, but the holding company still operates BK Magazine, Soimilk, and Grove.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Company Founded | Launched in Bangkok by Byron Perry. |
| 2012-2013 | Regional Expansion | Opened offices in Manila, Singapore, and Hong Kong. |
| 2015 | ABS-CBN Partnership | Content exchange to boost hard news and regional reach. |
| 2015-2016 | SOPA Awards | Recognition for reporting on street children and rare diseases. |
| 2021 | BK Magazine Acquisition | Expansion into lifestyle print and digital media. |
| 2023 | Tabloid Closure | Coconuts Tabloid Media ceased operations due to sustainability issues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Coconuts Media?
Coconuts Media was founded by Byron Perry, an American journalist and entrepreneur, on September 19, 2011.
Which cities did Coconuts Media expand into?
After starting in Bangkok, the company expanded to Manila in 2012, and then to Singapore and Hong Kong in 2013.
What was the purpose of the ABS-CBN partnership?
The partnership was a content exchange designed to give ABS-CBN more detailed coverage of Southeast Asia and to help Coconuts Media expand its reporting on sports and hard news.
Did Coconuts Media win any awards?
Yes, the company received a SOPA Honorable Mention in 2015 for its work on street children in Bangkok, and Managing Editor Laurel Chor won a SOPA for Feature Photography in 2016.
Is Coconuts Media completely shut down?
No. While Coconuts Tabloid Media closed in December 2023, the holding company continues to operate other subsidiaries such as BK Magazine, Soimilk, and Grove.
Why did Coconuts Tabloid Media close?
Chairman Byron Perry attributed the closure to regional journalistic challenges and the difficulty of achieving financial sustainability.