The Publisher Podcast by Media Voices

On this week's episode of Media Voices we hear from The Economist's Executive Vice President of Marketing Nada Arnot. Marketing isn't something we talk about a lot on the podcast, but as Arnot makes clear it's an integral part of media companies' ability to address, convert and retain audiences. The Economist has just launched its largest brand campaign since the early 2000s, so Arnot tells us about how the news-focused magazine is seeking to attract younger readers, why she believes long-term brand building is vital in today’s news ecosystem, and the future plans for marketing The Economist. In the news roundup the Media Voices team discuss the news that a group of 32 European media organizations, including notable names like publishing giant Axel Springer and media heavyweight Schibsted, have jointly filed a Є2.1bn ($2.3 billion) antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet-owned Google. We ask why no adults ever get round the table to discuss a realistic approach to solving these issues before they arise - and whether it will all matter in a few years given the rapid rise of Amazon's ad capabilities.

Lauren Kleinman and Lee Joselowitz share insights on 'performance publishing' and the reward of authenticity in digital publishing. The news roundup discusses media company mergers and challenges in the digital media landscape. The podcast touches on strategies for growth, audience persona, and resilience in business.

This week we hear from two of the three editors of The Paper, an intimidatingly-sized Welsh indie magazine. Oliver Gabe and Owen Davies take us through the annual publishing plan, why they launched the title with a live variety show, and what makes the title feel truly distinctive in a saturated marketplace. In the news roundup Esther, Peter and Chris discuss some items of relatively good media news, before segueing into the bad. We ask whether generalist media titles are one end of a seesaw and bespoke local and specialist titles are the other, and discuss why 'distinctiveness' and 'community' are too often used to paper over cracks in media business models.  Media Voices has a new look! Don't forget you can visit our refreshed and revamped site at voices.media, and sign up to our newsletter and community forum while you're there.

As part of a special four-part podcast series, supported by the Google News Initiative, we’ve been talking to publishers and experts across Europe who are working to find resilient business models. We spoke to them about the state of the local news market in their regions, how they’ve evolved company culture and practice, and what tools and trends they’re working with to prepare for the next decade. What metrics should local news publishers be focusing on, and what new tech is out there to support growing businesses? Our fourth and final episode explores the tools, tech and trends – including AI – which organisations are using or looking to use in the future. Experts featured in this episode: Jayne Savva, Group Features Editor (news), DC Thomson Emily Hewett, Head of Audience Development, DC Thomson Cheryl Livingstone, Special Projects Editor, DC Thomson Doug Smith – Lead architect, Table Stakes Pierre France, Co-Founder, Rue89 Strasbourg David Floyd, Managing Director, Social Spider Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director, Public Interest News Foundation Benedicte Autret, Head of News Partnerships, UK/IE/Northern Europe, Google Prof. Dr. Wiebke Möhring, Professor of Journalism, TU Dortmund Institute for Journalism This series is supported by the Google News Initiative. They work with publishers and journalists to fight misinformation, share resources, and build a diverse and innovative local news system. Find out more about their programmes, tools and resources at newsinitiative.withgoogle.com

As part of a special four-part podcast series, supported by the Google News Initiative, we’ve been talking to publishers and experts across Europe who are working to find resilient business models. We spoke to them about the state of the local news market in their regions, how they’ve evolved company culture and practice, and what tools and trends they’re working with to prepare for the next decade. To build a sustainable – and successful – publishing business requires staff to be on board with changes, as well as a collaborative environment with good communication. For local news organisations, external relationships with audiences also need work. In this third episode, we speak to some local news organisations about getting company culture to the best possible place. Experts featured in this episode: Doug Smith – Lead architect, Table Stakes Cheryl Livingstone, Special Projects Editor, DC Thomson Emily Hewett, Head of Audience Development, DC Thomson Craig Walker, Editor, Press and Journal and Evening Express, DC Thomson David Floyd, Managing Director, Social Spider Jayne Savva, Group Features Editor (news), DC Thomson Nicola Negrin, Editor in Chief, Il Giornale Di Vicenza, Gruppo Editoriale Athesis Pierre France, Co-Founder, Rue89 Strasbourg Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director, Public Interest News Foundation Prof. Dr. Wiebke Möhring, Professor of Journalism, TU Dortmund Institute for Journalism Benedicte Autret, Head of News Partnerships, UK/IE/Northern Europe, Google This series is supported by the Google News Initiative. They work with publishers and journalists to fight misinformation, share resources, and build a diverse and innovative local news system. Find out more about their programmes, tools and resources at newsinitiative.withgoogle.com

In this podcast, experts discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by local news organizations in finding sustainable revenue streams. Case studies of successful publications switching to subscription models are explored. The debate on implementing paywalls and the success of digital subscriptions is highlighted. The integration of print and digital teams is discussed, along with the importance of engaging features in local media. Building trust and engaging with the local community is emphasized. The podcast also touches upon the support provided by the Google News Initiative in finding sustainable business models.

As part of a special four-part podcast series, supported by the Google News Initiative, we’ve been talking to publishers and experts across Europe who are working to find resilient business models. We spoke to them about the state of the local news market in their regions, how they’ve evolved company culture and practice, and what tools and trends they’re working with to prepare for the next decade. In this first episode, we look at some of the historical context around the state of local news, shifts in the UK and European markets, and what ‘good’ local news might look like. We also do a deep dive into some of the issues facing the UK local news market, as well as the continuing value of local news to communities. Experts featured in this episode: Doug Smith – Lead architect, Table Stakes Pierre France, Co-Founder, Rue89 Strasbourg Craig Walker, Editor, Press and Journal and Evening Express, DC Thomson Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director, Public Interest News Foundation David Floyd, Managing Director, Social Spider Prof. Dr. Wiebke Möhring, Professor of Journalism, TU Dortmund Institute for Journalism Benedicte Autret, Head of News Partnerships, UK/IE/Northern Europe, Google This series is supported by the Google News Initiative. They work with publishers and journalists to fight misinformation, share resources, and build a diverse and innovative local news system. Find out more about their programmes, tools and resources at newsinitiative.withgoogle.com

The podcast delves into the integration of AI in newsrooms, discussing its impact on journalists and the industry. Speakers emphasize the need for experimentation with AI while keeping business goals in mind. Insights are shared on navigating post-opportunity steps and leveraging AI for business goals. The importance of building a collaborative environment for AI teams and addressing challenges in AI integration for publishers is also highlighted.

Experts discuss the use of AI in publishing, including preparations for internal and external changes to media businesses. They explore the impact of AI on productivity, hyper personalization, and business models in journalism. The chapter also highlights the limitations of generative AI as a predictive tool and the opportunities AI presents to speed up and refine outputs in the newsroom. Publishers are advised on successfully integrating AI tools into their workflows and the importance of collaboration. The potential and limitations of AI in journalism are discussed, including its impact on jobs in the newsroom and the future of AI in media.

On this week's episode of the podcast Elaine dela Cruz, co-founder of DE&I consultancy firm Project 23, tells us about what is creating positive change for diversity and inclusion in the industry. We're also joined by guest co-host Joanna Cummings, Editorial Director of The Grub Street Journal and author of the DE&I chapter of this year's Media Moments report. Elaine takes us through why she co-founded the organisation, how the DE&I landscape has changed over the past five years, and why 'resilience' is such a dangerous word. We also discuss how the best media companies are measuring the success of their DE&I efforts. A round-up of publishers' DE&I initiatives and developments will be part of our upcoming Media Moments 2023 report. Find out more and pre-register for the report here.