March 21, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
For Mary Ann and Stan Blackmur, the 25th anniversary of The South Shore Magazine marks more than just a milestone for their publication — it reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to the South Shore communities they serve. From Milton to Plymouth, including Hingham, the Blackmurs have built a publication that not only thrives in a time when print media is in decline but also embodies the values of community engagement, local business support, and integrity.
The South Shore Magazine, which is available in both print and digital formats, continues to be a staple in the region. In an era where many publications have struggled due to high printing costs and the rise of digital media, the Blackmurs have successfully maintained a publication that serves as a resource for local news, business highlights, and community information. The magazine is not part of a larger publishing group, which gives it the flexibility to adapt and cater directly to the needs of the South Shore.
A commitment to local communities
As longtime Hingham residents, the Blackmurs have always taken a hands-on approach to community involvement. “We proudly live, work, and play here on the South Shore,” Stan, a third-generation Hinghamite, told the Hingham Anchor. Mary Ann, who has lived in Hingham for 40 years, shares his passion for supporting the local area, believing that for businesses to thrive, the communities themselves must remain vibrant and interconnected.
The Blackmurs are committed to ensuring that The South Shore Magazine fosters a sense of local pride by providing a platform that not only promotes local businesses but also highlights nonprofits and community organizations. Through its “Our Community” section, the magazine gives exposure to charities and local initiatives, helping to raise awareness and galvanize support.
An evolving publication
The journey of The South Shore Magazine began in 1999 when Stan, after working in commercial printing and media, launched South Shore Home & Garden Magazine. Over time, the publication evolved, reflecting the changing needs of the community. It wasn’t long before it expanded its content to include sections on health, wellness, food, beverage, and community-focused features. Eventually, the magazine was rebranded as The South Shore Magazine, signaling its broader editorial scope and mission.
The magazine’s ability to pivot and adapt to societal changes—such as the economic downturns and shifts in consumer habits—has been central to its success. During the 2003 recession, the Blackmurs shifted the magazine’s focus to include more business-centric and community-driven content. This strategic evolution ensured that the magazine not only survived but continued to thrive, providing meaningful content for its readers and supporting the local economy.
A distinct business model
Unlike many publications, The South Shore Magazine has avoided the traditional subscription model. Instead, it is direct-mailed to 15,000 high-value homes in the South Shore region and is also distributed through its network of advertisers. The hybrid approach—blending paid advertisements with editorial content—has enabled the Blackmurs to offer a premium platform for businesses looking to reach a highly targeted audience. The magazine’s unique format, which often features articles that are not dated, has helped it maintain long-term relevance, making it a trusted resource for readers even long after an issue is first published.
Stan emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting advertisers. “We make sure that the businesses we partner with align with the values of the magazine and will resonate with our audience,” he says. This thoughtful approach has earned the magazine a reputation for integrity, with advertisers often seeing The South Shore Magazine prominently displayed in their clients’ homes and offices.
Integrity and Community Engagement
The Blackmurs’ commitment to integrity is evident in their partnerships with long-standing, reputable businesses such as George Washington Toma TV and Appliance in Weymouth, which has been an advertiser since the magazine’s inception. Their editorial content is also dedicated to showcasing businesses and organizations that prioritize community engagement and trust.
Beyond publishing, the Blackmurs are deeply embedded in the South Shore’s civic and business life. Mary Ann serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Road to Responsibility and Harbor Media, while Stan is active in the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and also works with Road to Responsibility. As Realtors with Jack Conway, the Blackmurs continue to be hands-on in the community, helping people find homes while also nurturing the area’s economic growth and stability.
“We are fortunate to live on the South Shore, where local businesses and organizations come together to support the fabric of the region,” Mary Ann says. “We are grateful to be part of that effort and proud of what The South Shore Magazine represents.”
Looking to the future
As the Blackmurs look toward the next chapter for The South Shore Magazine, they remain focused on staying attuned to the needs of the community. Despite the challenges of the past 25 years, including two economic downturns, they continue to believe in the power of local media to inform, connect, and strengthen the South Shore. “We listen to the community, including the businesses, and they believe in what we do,” Mary Ann says. “We’ve been able to adapt, and we recognize that The South Shore Magazine is still a vital outlet for providing people with the information they need.”
The Blackmurs’ commitment to their community, combined with their ability to adapt to changing times, has helped The South Shore Magazine remain a trusted resource and a vital part of life on the South Shore for the past quarter-century.
For more information, visit The South Shore Magazine.
