Impact of digital media on print media

Fred Mwangaguhunga’s journey to becoming a media powerhouse began in an unexpected place: as a wedding videographer capturing life’s special moments on film. Though seemingly worlds apart from the gossip titan he is today, his early work foreshadowed his future in the media industry, where visuals and storytelling reign supreme. Mwangaguhunga is the founder and CEO of MediaTakeOut.com , a blog-style gossip platform that caters to urban audiences. Known for its bold and unfiltered approach, MediaTakeOut has become a go-to source for breaking celebrity news, often scooping stories that later make headlines on major outlets like CNN, NBC, People , the New York Post , and TMZ.

The site’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed by advertisers either. MediaTakeOut has captured ad revenue that once flowed to competitors like AOL Black Voices, BET.com, and Essence.com, while consistently outpacing them in traffic. Now 35, the attorney-turned-serial entrepreneur shows no signs of slowing down. Look out, Perez Hilton—Mwangaguhunga recently sat down with Inc.com senior editor Nicole Marie Richardson to share his story.

What Inspired You to Start MediaTakeOut.com?

Before diving into the world of gossip blogging, I ran a clothing business called Laundry Spa , which operated primarily as an e-commerce venture. Customers could schedule pickups and deliveries online, choose scents for their clothes, and enjoy a seamless laundry experience. Business skyrocketed after we received a shoutout on the Daily Candy blog. At Laundry Spa, we allocated our advertising budget to blogs because they offered incredible value for niche audiences.

At the time, blogs were still considered a niche space, mostly catering to ultra-nerds or tech enthusiasts. After selling my clothing business, I took a closer look at the blogging world and noticed its rapid growth. I realized this wasn’t just a fleeting trend—it had the potential to be something much bigger. Even if it was a fad, I figured it could last for years. With nothing else on my plate, I decided to give it a shot.

What Were Your Startup Costs?

Starting MediaTakeOut.com was incredibly cost-effective. It only cost me $19.99 for the Yahoo hosting account and about $7.99 for the domain name. Coming from a small-business background, I approached this venture with a lean mindset. Every expense is carefully evaluated to ensure it contributes to the bottom line. My goal has always been to maintain profitability while growing organically—and so far, that strategy has paid off.

How Is MediaTakeOut.com Different From Other Gossip Blogs?

In the urban media space, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of gossip blogs. However, none come close to matching the traffic, influence, or audience engagement of MediaTakeOut.com. From the very beginning, I made a conscious decision to focus on building the brand’s value and growing our reader base rather than obsessing over immediate revenue. This approach was inspired by startups like Twitter and YouTube, which prioritized user acquisition and brand equity before monetization.

Looking back, I believe that was the right call. Unlike those platforms, however, MediaTakeOut became profitable early on. We’ve been revenue-positive since the sixth month of operation, and our earnings continue to grow steadily. The combination of a loyal audience, strategic branding, and a lean operational model has set us apart in a crowded field.

Conclusion

Fred Mwangaguhunga’s journey from wedding videographer to founder of one of the most influential gossip sites on the internet is a testament to vision, adaptability, and smart business decisions. By focusing on organic growth and staying true to his small-business roots, Mwangaguhunga has built a platform that not only competes with but often surpasses traditional media giants. As MediaTakeOut continues to thrive, it serves as a reminder of the power of digital innovation and the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving media landscape.