The Publisher Podcast by Media Voices

Freelance Journalism Special

This week Media Voices takes an in-depth look at the realities of freelance journalism in 2020. We hear from journalists and academics about everything from remuneration to gaining skills to mental health, in order to provide both a celebration of the upsides of freelancing and an examination of its pitfalls. Featuring insights from Anna Codrea-Rado, Marie Le Conte, Dr. Paul Lashmar, Sian Meades-Williams, Nicola Slawson and Jenny Stallard, this episode is a one-off special focusing on the importance of freelance journalists to the news industry in the UK. Listen through to the end to find out how you can support the initiatives mentioned during the show.

Editor in Chief of The Week Junior US Andrea Barbalich on launching a print title for kids

This week Andrea Barbalich, Editor in Chief of The Week Junior US and The Week's Chief Executive Kerin O'Connor tell us about the upcoming US launch of the children’s news title. They tell us about kids' relationship with print, curiosity, and how there’s no place for kids in social media’s outrage economy (but you can sell subscriptions to parents on Facebook). In the news roundup, a bad week for the BBC, but a good year for digital news outlets. Swings and roundabouts.

Evening Standard Executive Producer Chris Stone on the role of video & audio in publishing

This week, Chris Stone, the Executive Producer of Video & Audio at the Evening Standard, talks to us about the role video plays in their journalism, why they decided to launch two podcasts late last year, and what they're doing to capture the attention of the commuter audience. He also discusses his work leading a partnership with Google to create interactive audio news content for smart speakers. In the news this week, the team looks at the death knell for the third party cookie, The Telegraph pulling out of an independent measurement scheme, and examines if WeChat is a roadmap for platforms' future. The team can't decide if we're too cynical or not cynical enough.

MIT Technology Review CEO & Publisher Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau on transforming a legacy brand

New decade, new Media Voices. On this episode of the revamped Media Voices Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, CEO and Publisher at MIT Technology Review talks to us about the work she's done transforming the publication to bring it to new audiences, striking a balance between expert and general audiences, and what the business is doing to prepare itself for the next five years. In the news roundup we discuss the ruling that edition-based digital news products aren't subject to VAT in the UK, Twitter's changes to the reply function, and pointedly ignore any news about the royal family. Chris sets a new record with two (2) good analogies in less than 40 minutes.

Media Voices: Christmas 2019 Special

In this end of year special, the team looks back at some of the major media events of 2019 to determine what will happen next year. Featuring looks at the flashpoints in M&A, Print, Data & Advertising, Multimedia, Platforms, Trust and more, this episode is a whistlestop tour through our Media Moments 2019 report. Don't forget to keep an eye out for Media Voices Top Trumps, available in all good newsagents at some point in the future. Maybe.

Media Voices: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism's Nic Newman on news podcasting

This week, media analyst Nic Newman takes us through the findings of his report into news podcasting for publishers for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Among other things, we discuss how young people are fuelling the growth in news podcasting, whether podcast revenue will start cannibalising other revenue streams, and whether the podcast explosion has already plateaued. In the news roundup the team discusses Apple News' new newsletter(about news), the realities of running a journalism awards show, and runs a gauntlet of other stories after a busy news week.

Media Voices: Yahoo Finance Editor in Chief Andy Serwer on building a leading finance publication

This week, we talk to Andy Serwer, Yahoo Finance's Editor in Chief. He discusses what strategies he's used to grow the publication to become the leader in financial news online, which platforms he uses to reach his business-focused audience, and how financial news has been affected by the crisis in trust. He also talks about how the publisher is integrating new technologies into the newsroom, and why he left his legacy publishing past behind. In the news roundup the team discusses editorial independence around DMGT's purchase of the i, Bloomberg's owner running for president, and a raft of media misbehaviour in the UK. Peter resurrects Conspiracy Corner for one week only.

Media Voices: boom saloon founder Rachel Arthur on democratising creativity

This week Peter braves the bright lights of Las Vegas to interview Rachel Arthur, founder of independent magazine boom saloon, about boom projects' mission to democratise creativity and support access to the media, staying true to oneself, and the boom room agency. In the news roundup the team discuss whether we live in an age of information context collapse in which social media has destroyed any notion of 'truth', and whether journalism will need to become as predatory as misinformation in order to survive. It's a cheery episode.

Media Voices: VICE Executive Editor Dory Carr-Harris on building and evolving quality editorial

This week, VICE's Executive Editor Dory Carr-Harris talks to us about the importance of knowing what resonates with your audience, from high-quality astrology content to bringing a food brand to TikTok. She also explains how VICE has been able to adapt to a tough digital landscape where other publishers have stumbled, and why they won't be toning down their 'VICE-ness' for advertisers any time soon. In the news roundup the team asks whether the Atlantic's news app is the second swallow of summer when it comes to news apps, and Chris asks if Netflix and Spotify are aiding news publishers grow subscriptions. Esther celebrates a birthday, Peter desperately needs to go to sleep.

Media Voices: Nature's Chief Magazine Editor Helen Pearson on the journal's 150th birthday

On this week's episode Helen Pearson, chief magazine editor for Nature, tells us about what consumer-focused publications can learn about community from the journal’s focus on supporting scientists, the changing expectations of younger audiences, and the challenge of making research open to all while also supporting the authors and journalists. In the news roundup, the team discusses the UK launch of Netflix 'competitor' BritBox, the surprise return of Smash Hits, and Hearst's latest micro-membership scheme. Peter sings The Spice Girls' greatest hits.

Media Voices: Minute Media founder Asaf Peled on taking an Israeli media brand global

On this week's episode, founder and CEO of Minute Media Asaf Peled takes us through the importance of community to its brands, making well-loved print brands work digitally, and the outlook for digital media more generally. He also discusses the complexities of managing both the tech and media sides of the business, and their acquisition of Peter's favourite brand Mental Floss. In the news roundup the team debates whether Twitter's political ad ban will move the needle on the abuse of political ads online, Future plc's acquisition of TI Media, and ask when an editor is as morally culpable as a columnist (hello Fraser Nelson!). The team engages in some historical revisionism about their past predictions.

Media Voices: Glamour Editor in Chief Deborah Joseph on transforming into a digital-first brand

This week, Glamour UK's Editor in Chief Deborah Joseph talks to us about steering the brand through its transformation from a print-first to a digital-first brand, from hiring in new talent to changing external perceptions. She also discusses the role of influencers alongside magazine media, why celebrities are still choosing brands like Glamour to launch with, and the Glamour Beauty Festival's upcoming Manchester debut. In the news roundup the team discusses the fallout from Facebook's decision to include Breitbart on its list of 'high quality' publishers on its new News tab, the pending closure of Asos magazine, and yet another news app launch. Chris fights with hotel wifi, loses.

Media Voices: Hearst MD of Men's Lifestyle Alun Williams on Esquire and the importance of brand

This week, Hearst's head of men's lifestyle and health & fitness Alun Williams treats us to a look inside the Esquire Townhouse, and takes us through the importance of being a market leader, the new skills required at the magazine publisher, and how to resist overextending a brand. In the news roundup the full complement of Esther, Peter and Chris look at two new and very different news app launches, examine the reasons Sky News might have launched a Brexit-free channel, and coolly and unemotionally dissect The Sun's plans to conquer the US of States.

Media Voices: Aller Media Product Owner Christoph Schmitz on managing technology and transformation

In this week's episode, we talk to Christoph Schmitz, Aller Media's Product Owner for paywalls, login, subscriptions and CRM (and recent interim CTO). He discusses managing technology and transformation across different brands, how Aller Media is taking advantage of willingness to subscribe in Norway, and their collaboration with other publishers for a single sign-on project. He also explains how GDPR has actually helped Aller Media take control of their data. In the news round-up, Chris and Esther tackle the Scousetrap/WAGatha Christie embarrassment for The Sun, as well as Group Nine's acquisition of PopSugar and a rumoured mega-bundle from Apple.

Media Voices: Vanity Fair & Tatler Publishing Director Kate Slesinger on increasing circulation

This week, Kate Slesinger, the Publishing Director of luxury titles Vanity Fair and Tatler talks to us about what's behind a rise in print circulation. She also discusses how both brands are kept fresh and up-to-date, managing commercial partnerships, what they do to reach their wealthy audience online, and how the role of Publishing Director has evolved over her time at Condé Nast. In the news round-up, the team do a deep dive into the row between Google and French publishers, and why a 'link tax' isn't the answer. There's lot of news in brief as well, from Aldi chucking print to some unusual media appointments. Chris realises how many mergers and acquisitions you can miss out on during 6 weeks trekking in Nepal.

Media Voices: Gal-dem Head of Editorial Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff on the publication's evolution

This week, gal-dem's Head of Editorial Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff talks about the publication's evolution into a fully-fledged and funded publishing business, why they decided to have a print magazine alongside the digital site, and the lessons she will and won't be applying from her time working with other publishers. She also explains why it's so important to have a truly supportive internship scheme, and how publishers need to prepare themselves to properly support diversity in the workplace before bringing people in. In the news round-up, Peter and Esther are joined by International Magazine Centre founder Nikki Simpson. The team discuss Vox Media's acquisition of New York Magazine, how the BBC has found itself in the middle of a racism row with Naga Munchetty, and the launch of Platinum magazine from DC Thomson.

Media Voices Live: How publishers are innovating with podcasts

Publishers are in a unique position to take advantage of the rise in podcasting thanks to their storytelling expertise and ready-made audiences. With listener numbers growing and discoverability improving, there has never been a better time for publishers to create something unique. In this podcast, recorded live from PPA Scotland's Magfest, Peter and Esther are joined by DC Thomson's Special Projects Lead Chris Phin. They discuss how magazine publishers are experimenting in the podcasting space to create successful podcasts that support audience development and revenue, and what it takes for publishers to plan and record their own podcasts. Chris Phin announces the launch of a podcast on our podcast...a first for Media Voices!

Media Voices: Hostwriter’s Tina Lee on bringing together diverse voices for Unbias the News

This week, Tina Lee, Head of the Ambassador Program for Hostwriter, talks to us about 'Unbias the News'; a new book she's editor-in-chief of. She explains how the book brings together the voices and experiences of journalists from all around the world, why it's so important to challenge our own worldviews, and how collaboration across borders can help unbias the news. In the news round-up, Peter and Esther try (and fail) to patch Chris in from India, so are left to themselves to discuss positive changes to Google's search algorithm and Marie Claire's print closure. Peter admires a very salty final cover from the Washington Post's Express newspaper.

Media Voices: Big Issue founder Lord Bird on Chapter Catcher's mission to start a reading revolution

This week, Big Issue founder John Bird talks to us about his new magazine venture Chapter Catcher, its mission to spark a reading revolution, and how it was inspired by Brexit. He also explains why we should support bookshops and libraries, and why there is an urgent need for deeper and broader reading. In the news round up, Peter and Esther are joined by ideastream Managing Producer and media analyst Kevin Anderson. The trio discuss The Atlantic's relaunched paywall, whether we should be surprised by Reuters' new report into young people and the news, and the hype around a 'Brexit bump' for UK media companies. Kev's noodle gets baked by Facebook's growing world domination.

Media Voices Conversations: Privacy, Publishers, and Rebuilding Ad Tech

Over the last few years, the advertising and publishing industries have been on a crusade to reinvent ad tech, spurred by everything from breaks in the value chain, changing publisher priorities, the availability of new tech solutions, international legislation and more. There's a sense that ad tech is transitioning to a more mature form; one that's more equitable to all parties involved. At the same time, high-profile instances of data misuse mean that user privacy is riding high on the industry's agendas. In this special Conversations episode of Media Voices, Chris is joined by co-founder and CEO of Permutive Joe Root, and Dennis Publishing's Head of Programmatic and Audience Data Alex Kirby. They discuss the realities of user privacy in 2019, whether publishers can turn trends to their advantage, and the tech solutions that add value to the entire ecosystem, and not just the vendors. This episode of Media Voices is sponsored by Permutive, the data management platform built for publishers. Permutive enables publishers to increase their data driven advertising revenue and make revenue diversification a reality, whilst keeping user privacy at the heart of its technology. Some of Permutive’s customers include BuzzFeed, Business Insider, The Economist, Condé Nast International, Immediate Media and Burda Forward.