Founder Heidi MacDonald has re-acquired ownership of The Beat from a company controlled by Polarity’s David Steward II, the companies announced.  Syndicated Comics LLC acquired comic news blog The Beat in October of 2017 (see "Heidi Sells the Beat").  After providing additional resources and supporting new infrastructure, the new deal returns the company to independence under MacDonald.

MacDonald thanked Steward for the relationship.  "I'm incredibly grateful to Dave Steward and the Polarity team for their partnership these last two years" she said.  "With this participation, The Beat was able to reach new heights and expand to cover the incredible diversity of the comics medium and the culture it inspires."

Steward put the relationship in the context of his goals for the site.  "Our partnership with Heidi and The Beat was intended to empower the site to reach new heights and grow the audience for inclusive comics coverage," he said.  "Over these past few years, we have worked together to ensure she succeeded in that goal…  We wish Heidi continued success and prominence in the years to come."