Future's plans for US dominance PLUS Case studies in how US non-profit news organisations are measuring impact

May 30, 2022

I'm back after a hiatus as I managed a move from the US to the UK, while transitioning into a new leadership role. Thank you for your patience as I managed several years' worth of change in a few months.

Speaking of change and transition plans, I think that sums up the current state of media with businesses consolidating and pivoting. In the consolidation camp, we have Future plc, which has been on a bit of an acquisition spree as of late as it has acquired eight other companies. While the acquisition of Dennis in the UK probably ranks quite high for readers from there, their "prolific" acquisition strategy has really been focused on becoming a dominant player in the US. Read on to understand the revenue pillars of their acquisition strategy as well.

But sometimes, acquisitions are about finding and grinding out efficiencies. Vox is looking to integrate its podcast ad stack after its content studio merged with Group Nine.

PLUS I know after four years working for a news non-profit the challenges of measuring impact when the primary focus is not revenue, and INN had four cast studies looking at how non-profit news groups are managing this tricky analytics play. It's really important both for reporting to funders abut also in terms of retaining and motivating staff. Pew updates its annual look at local media in the US with some truly grim figures on circulation for local newspapers. And lastly, there is an excellent piece on how to earn your manager's trust as a product manager, but it has some excellent advice on how to manage upward for any employee.

While the bulk of Future plc’s buys have been purchases of publications, the strategies behind them have not solely been about adding like inventory and like audiences, Webby said in the latest Digiday Podcast episode.

The newly combined Vox Creative is using the different podcast ad formats it offers to integrate audio advertising into advertisers' campaigns.

How is nonprofit news measuring the impact of its work? Four newsroom leaders tell us how in this new case study series.

The Local Journalism Initiative of Delaware recently announced the launch of its new Delaware Journalism Collaborative, a statewide partnership of local news organizations and community groups that are committed to working together to improve access...

Local newspapers have been hit particularly hard by the transition to digital news consumption in recent years, with many forced to shutter their doors permanently.

A template I use to manage up more effectively