5280 and January Spring: Shaping the Future of Denver Media
The January Spring team is thrilled to announce our CEO and founder Charity Huff has purchased and taken the lead at 5280 Magazine. Charity, a pioneer in digital marketing and niche media, formed 5280 Elevated Inc., with the goal of transforming it into a dynamic multimedia brand while preserving its legacy of top-tier journalism and deep community connection in the Denver, Colorado area.
This acquisition will enable our team to be closer to the challenges and opportunities publishers experience every day. January Spring has developed a proven model for digital transformation, and this is our opportunity to put it into practice with our own sister company…and yours!
As Charity herself said, “This news firmly positions January Spring as the go-to, trusted partner for digital media transformation. I’m proud to remain the CEO of January Spring and look forward to leading one of the nation’s incredible city publications.”
Who is 5280?
Founded by Daniel Brogan in 1993, the magazine has become one of America’s most respected city magazines. It has twice won the prestigious National Magazine Award and was named the best big-city magazine by the City and Regional Magazine Association in both 2018 and 2020. The magazine reaches 355,500 readers each month and has a total distribution of 55,000 copies, along with a robust digital presence that includes more than 300,000 social media followers.
Understanding and valuing local ownership for such a beloved publication, Charity will act as CEO and publisher for 5280, creating new opportunities for community connection and brand growth. Charity and the January Spring team plan to build on this legacy by enhancing 5280’s digital platforms, increasing engagement through in-person events, and creating new opportunities for advertisers.
“This brand has always been about the amazing community it serves and reflects,” said Huff. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Colorado’s innovators, icons, and culture while continuing the magazine’s tradition of impactful storytelling.”
Our Vision for Transforming the Future of Local Media
We believe 2025 presents a tipping point for traditional media, with advertising buyers and marketers allocating the majority of their budgets to digital channels. As the media industry shifts further toward digital channels, we see this partnership as an opportunity to redefine how traditional publishers thrive in the digital age.
For readers and advertisers alike, this new chapter represents an exciting evolution for 5280. With Charity’s exciting plans and January Spring’s digital expertise, 5280 is well-positioned as a powerhouse that embodies the spirit of life in Colorado.
Stay tuned for updates as both teams embark on this journey to shape the future of 5280!