The Community Exchange Podcast by OpenWeb

In this discussion, Sam Mellor, VP of Marketing at BBC and a transformation marketer, dives into navigating the complexities of AI in media. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing end-user trust while balancing audience and advertiser needs. Sam explores how AI is reshaping search behaviors and the media landscape, advocating for new frameworks in data use and content value. She also highlights the irreplaceable role of human storytelling in building loyal audiences and the challenges of predicting the future media environment amid rapid changes.

Ken Blom, Chief Business Officer at BuzzFeed, shares insights from his journey scaling digital media in the age of social. He discusses the evolution of affiliate commerce as a key revenue driver and the disruptive effects of AI on traffic and discovery. Ken highlights the importance of community and creators in building strong engagement, and how publishers must rethink their strategies to adapt. He proposes that the future will see distinct niches and innovative app experiences emerge, alongside a potential revival of in-person events.

Nina Gould, Chief Innovation Officer at Forbes, boasts a rich history of evolving from designer to product leader. She dives into how legacy publishers are adapting to digital, highlighting the crucial role of product in merging editorial, business, and tech. Nina emphasizes the necessity of innovation that addresses real audience needs, particularly in the context of AI and personalization. She also critiques traditional advertising models and suggests a shift toward engagement-focused strategies, reshaping how content success is measured in today’s landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Tatyana Zlotsky, CEO at A Place for Mom, shares her journey from marketing at American Express to leading a major company in the caregiver space. She dives into building customer-centric innovation, the evolution of performance marketing, and how AI is reshaping the landscape. Tatyana emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in brand identity and explores how data and community engagement can propel growth. Don't miss her insights on adapting marketing strategies in a rapidly changing environment!

Jim Daily, CEO of OpenWeb and former leader at Teads, shares his fascinating journey from aspiring golf pro to a global ad tech executive. He discusses scaling businesses and the critical role of hiring the right people. Daily dives into the shift towards decentralized platforms for community engagement and the rising challenge of AI disruption. He addresses the untapped potential of user comments and engagement data, highlighting the need for sustainable publisher practices in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Pam Wasserstein, President and Vice Chair at Vox Media, shares her fascinating journey from Harvard Law to media leadership. She delves into the complexities of navigating AI's impact on the publishing industry and discusses the formidable challenges posed by tech giants in a 'David vs. Goliath' battle. Wasserstein highlights the importance of journalism in combating misinformation and explores the digital transformation of New York Magazine during the pandemic. Personal anecdotes about hobbies add a light-hearted touch to the conversation.

Jess Giles, Managing Director at Code and Theory, shares her fascinating journey from film school to transforming legacy media. She emphasizes the importance of evolving brand strategies in the digital era and the critical role of first-party data and community-building for publishers. Jess discusses the disruptive influence of AI on content and predicts that future winners will focus on quick, differentiated solutions. Her insights into creating a compelling content experience amidst a commoditized internet are both refreshing and thought-provoking.

Louise Story, CEO of Atlas Obscura and former award-winning investigative journalist, discusses her evolution through prominent media roles. She highlights how algorithms altered newsrooms and shares insights on the value of 'new news' in an AI-driven landscape. Challenges in publishing, user behavior shifts, and the necessity for innovation in journalism are central themes. Louise also emphasizes the power of community contributions in storytelling and the importance of authenticity to engage modern audiences.

Bridget Williams, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Hearst Newspapers, has over 20 years of experience in media, including stints at Business Insider and startups. In this discussion, she shares insights on the revival of local journalism and its relevance today. Bridget highlights the integration of AI in reporting, the importance of first-party data for local businesses, and how innovative tools can promote government transparency. She also emphasizes visionary leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of journalism amidst challenges and opportunities.

Lindsay Van Kirk, SVP and General Manager of Decipher at People Inc., shares her journey from AppNexus to innovating in ad tech. She discusses the importance of mentorship and personal growth in her career. The conversation dives into Decipher's cookieless targeting strategies and the critical role of AI in content creation. Lindsay emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human-generated content in a tech-driven landscape and advocates for a future where publishers thrive on first-party data, balancing technology with human creativity.