Break Media

Break Media was a digital media company established in June 1998 by Keith Richman, a serial entrepreneur who had previously co-founded companies like Billpoint, which was acquired by eBay. The company initially launched as Big-boys.com, a humor website, before rebranding and centering on its flagship property, Break.com.

The business was strategically positioned to capture the attention of the male demographic, specifically individuals aged 18 to 34. Its portfolio of websites included humor and entertainment destinations such as Screen Junkies, CagePotato, HolyTaco, and MadeMan. The core of the platform was user-generated and original video content, featuring comedy sketches, flash games, and viral videos. To foster content creation, Break.com implemented a model where it paid users for original videos that were featured on its homepage.

The company's revenue was primarily generated through advertising. Break Media operated its own ad sales team and built a proprietary ad network that allowed advertisers to target the specific 18-34 male audience across its owned and operated properties. By 2010, its network of sites had made it one of the most popular video networks online. A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in October 2013, when Break Media executed a 50-50 merger with Alloy Digital. This transaction led to the formation of a new entity named Defy Media, with Break's CEO, Keith Richman, becoming the president of the newly formed company.

Keywords: digital media, online video, entertainment website, user-generated content, viral videos, men's lifestyle, ad network, content monetization, Screen Junkies, Defy Media, Keith Richman, comedy videos, flash games, web properties, digital advertising, content acquisition, media merger, online entertainment, video syndication, humor website