Communications

Advertising Communications Graphic Design Internet Marketing Media Publishing SEO
News Release Digital Asset Direct

Niche Media Events Hosts Largest Leadership Summit in Chicago

Niche Media Events

Over 90 niche media publishers, CEOs, revenue heads, and suppliers gathered in Chicago for the 11th annual Niche Media Leadership Summit. The 2023 media conference is the largest event in the history of the annual publishing leadership gathering and was held September 20-22, 2023. The 2023 event hosted over 90 attendees and 16 sponsoring vendors at the Royal Sonesta Riverfront, making it the largest leadership retreat of its kind in the media industry. The Niche Media Leadership Summit focuses on discussion groups and keynotes specifically to educate, inspire and connect magazine and media owners and leaders. Topics include digital and print publishing strategy, new media technologies, company hiring and culture, audience expansion, and revenue ideas for publishers. “We are excited and honored to welcome so many niche media owners and leaders to this year’s Summit. The record attendance is a testament to the importance of the niche audience media industry, as well as the need for leaders to share best practices and discuss industry challenges ahead of 2024 budgeting and strategy.”, said Ryan Dohrn, owner of Niche Media Events. Featured keynotes included Jonathan Reitz, CEO of Fluxify, who spoke to hiring and retaining media sales staff; Steven Iwersen, founder of Aurora Pointe, who presented on leading media companies in uncertain times; and Andrew Davis, marketing industry icon, who led discussion on AI influence, opportunities and cautions for media. Attendees also met throughout the event in discussion groups for B2B, Consumer and Sales Leadership. 80% of attendees' time was devoted to discussion groups, networking parties and dinners with colleagues. Sponsoring industry vendors included: 032 Outsourcing, Audativ, Media OS (formerly Ad Sales Genius), Publication Printers, AdCellerant, AdOrbit (formerly MagHub), Baxter Research Center, January Spring, KODI Collective, Omeda, Quad, Sheridan and The Magazine Manager. Additionally, new sponsors joined for the first time: AdMall/SalesFuel, Fox Associates and WoodWing. “The Niche Leadership Summit offers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with peers in your market (B2B or Consumer) or in specific roles (Sales Leadership) to share solutions, create connections for post-event conversations and resources, and access cutting edge leadership, culture, and industry developments to drive success for each attendee’s media company and employees”, continued Dohrn. The next Niche Media publishing conference will be their annual, multi-track, full staff training Niche Media Conference, April 17-19, 2024, also in downtown Chicago at the Radisson Blu Aqua. To learn more about Niche Media Events, visit NicheMediaEvents.com. About Niche Media Events Niche Media Events helps publishers generate growth in ALL their revenue channels: print, digital, sales, audience and events. We’ve got it all… incredible learning and peer-to-peer connections at our live conferences, awesome online educational content, and expert resources from the best minds in media. Whether you’re a B2B, B2C/Consumer, Digital-Only, City & Regional, or Association publisher, Niche Media is your “go-to” resource for practical, actionable education & training (plus a healthy dose of F-U-N) to help you maximize revenue. Together, we’re connecting the entire Niche Nation! Contact Details Niche Media Ryan Dohrn ryan@nichemediaevents.com Company Website https://www.www.nichemediaevents.com

October 10, 2023 11:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Global Connectivity looking to pass 350,000 UK homes within the next year

Global Connectivity PLC

Global Connectivity PLC (AQSE:GCON) Executive Chairman Keith Harris speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive about the strides the business is making in bringing high-speed internet to the UK's rural communities. Founded three years ago as Rural Broadband Solutions PLC, GCON aims to narrow the digital divide between metropolitan and rural regions. Harris highlighted that 80% of the UK is designated as rural, housing 20% of the population. He says that while major firms focus on metropolitan areas, Global Connectivity instead zeroes in on rural communities. The company recently partnered with US-based Tiger Infrastructure Partners Fund III LP, which acquired 85% of Global Connectivity for a £75 million investment. Additionally, a merger with Macquarie and another infrastructure fund has positioned the resulting entity Voneus as the UK's largest rural broadband player, with plans to invest £250 million and reach 350,000 homes within the next year. Harris concludes by saying that he anticipates significant sector consolidation by early 2025. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 10, 2023 09:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Media Veterans to FCC: Lawsuits Bolster Claim that FOX & Murdochs Lack Character Required of Public Broadcast License Trustees

Raynor Ave.

Media veterans filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), bringing the FCC’s attention to four shareholder derivative lawsuits accusing Fox Corporation's (FOX) Board of Directors of breaching its fiduciary duty. The lawsuits allege that Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and various officers and directors were complicit in decisions to disseminate false news and operate Fox News outside the bounds of First Amendment protections; and as a result, the company failed to safeguard shareholders from various journalistic integrity issues. The Media and Democracy Project (MAD) filed a motion requesting the FCC to compel FOX to produce key nonpublic discovery from its various lawsuits to ensure full transparency and accountability for its actions. MAD’s motion seeks evidence from the Dominion and Smartmatic litigations, all documents reviewed in the four stockholder derivative lawsuits, and internal communications from FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). Duggan-Kristol Derivative Filing The comment submitted by former PBS President and FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan and media veteran and former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol advances as yet another damning argument in support of the Media and Democracy Project’s (MAD) Petition to Deny the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). “The pension funds' lawsuits address FOX leadership's willingness knowingly to lie about important matters, and go to the heart of the issue before the FCC,” said William Kristol. “These lawsuits paint the story of a corporation led by the Murdochs that lacks the character expected of a broadcast licensee.” Delaware law allows the plaintiffs to review nonpublic corporate information known as Section 220 material in preparation for drafting a complaint. This nonpublic information goes to the core questions before the commission. One lawsuit details how FOX scrapped processes in place at the Board of Directors level to monitor journalistic integrity issues in 2019. Those policies were only reconsidered in mid-2021 after the Dominion (and pending Smartmatic) litigation was filed, according to the complaint filed by Tredje AP-Fonden and other plaintiffs. The same complaint also raises the issue of whether the Board’s lack of journalistic integrity policies was related in some way to Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s desire to stem viewer defection to preserve their influence in conservative politics, which the complaint argues they prioritized above broadcasting the truth. These lawsuits offer critical new evidence from Section 220 material and reflect that FOX shareholders are as troubled by the same core issues that should trouble the Commission. The Duggan-Kristol filing ends by saying the FCC “should not—cannot—don blinders as to the implications that the questions being weighed in [the Delaware Court of Chancery] must have on its judgment as to whether FOX and its Controllers can be trusted to operate broadcast stations in the public interest.” “These lawsuits show the parent corporation of the broadcast licensee showed poor judgment and questionable character in managing a business that—but for FCC licensure—is identical in core objectives and operation of its subsidiary broadcast station,” said Ervin S. Duggan. “We believe firmly that these nonpartisan lawsuits demonstrating bad judgment and suspect character should speak loudly to the Commission.” Two of the four lawsuits filed by pension funds representing workers in New York City, Oregon, Rhode Island, and the Swedish Government, cite MAD’s Petition to Deny as an outcome of the recklessness of the FOX Board’s inability to reign senior leadership in, allowing them to continue to promote lies about the 2020 election. From the Tredje AP-Fonden Complaint: Defendants’ breaches of fiduciary duty have not only resulted in massive economic and reputational damages to the Company and caused untold societal harm, but they also threaten to deny Fox’s ability to continue operating as a broadcast news media business, which is its core business. ( paragraph 308 ) From the New York City Complaint: The Murdochs’ decision to embrace Trump’s claims of a stolen election not only led to the $787.5 million settlement payment to Dominion, but also endangered Fox’s broadcast licenses. ( paragraph 211 ) A copy of the filing from Duggan and Kristol can be found here. Media and Democracy Project Motion for Documents While a great deal of discovery evidence has been produced in the various FOX litigations, this evidence is only available to the FCC and MAD in snippets. The public interest imperative of this proceeding requires a full review of all the evidence to ensure a complete and transparent evaluation of the renewal application and the Commission’s decision to designate a hearing. MAD’s motion seeks the FCC to require FOX to produce a range of nonpublic documents, emails, and testimony related to the following areas: All documents and deposition transcripts submitted or provided in connection with the Dominion and Smartmatic litigations. All documents submitted in the four Delaware Chancery stockholder derivative lawsuits in response to any party’s Delaware Section 220 demand for inspection of books and records. From January 2020 to the present, all documents and written communications between political advertisers, their representatives and advertising agencies concerning political advertising, lowest unit rate charges or requests to purchase advertising on station WTXF-TV. From January 2020 to the present, all written communications from any FOX, Fox Television Stations, LLC or WTXF-TV station employees indicating that the FCC’s electronic filing system was malfunctioning or that an attempt was made to upload WTXF-TV political files but was unsuccessful due to the FCC database not operating properly. A copy of the motion from MAD can be found here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots civic membership organization fighting for a more informative and pro-democracy media operating in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.org. Ervin S. Duggan is a veteran of the Lyndon Johnson White House, a former Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and former President of PBS. William Kristol is a veteran political analyst and commentator. He served in senior positions in the Ronald Reagan administration and the George H.W. Bush White House. For two decades, he edited The Weekly Standard magazine, and is now editor at large of The Bulwark and a director of the educational and advocacy group, Defending Democracy Together. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

October 10, 2023 09:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Vertiqal Studios strengthens position in Australia with appointment of Rifle as agency of record

Vertiqal Studios

Vertiqal Studios CEO Jon Dwyer joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news that the company has appointed Rifle Agency as its agency of record for Australia. The move comes as Vertiqal experiences substantial growth in Australia and New Zealand, where viewer preferences align with those in North America and the UK. The agency will handle both creative video production and distribution across Vertiqal Studios' network. Vertiqal Studios already reaches almost 20% of the Australian audience organically and the partnership aims to strengthen Vertiqal's presence in Australia further. The collaboration between Vertiqal and Rifle Agency is marked by a regionally exclusive white-label partnership, where Rifle will market and sell Vertiqal's creative assets and distribution services. This unique arrangement allows Rifle to leverage Vertiqal Studios' creative expertise and extensive distribution network while offering brands tailored video content and distribution solutions. It's a low-risk strategy for both parties to explore the Australian market and offers exciting growth opportunities. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

October 09, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

News Direct Launches "Trade Wins", an Analytics Enhancement Designed to Better Gauge Vertical Media Engagement

News Direct

News Direct today announced Trade Wins, a significant enhancement to its performance analytics that provides users actionable data regarding engagement with news releases from among industry trade media. Unlike legacy newswires which rely on sometimes decades-old internal databases of trade publication contacts, often with limited staff keeping them current, News Direct's partnership with one of the industry’s leading media monitoring and media database platforms enables it to provide up-to-date targeting of key journalists at tens of thousands of publications. News Direct leverages a comprehensive global directly of media contacts to create highly in-depth lists of trade journalists from within hundreds of industry verticals and sub-verticals, which are automatically refreshed to the most recent update each time any category is selected. The platform is then able to deliver meaningful analytics that provide the issuer with open rates, unique opens, total opens, click rates, unique clicks and engagement over time, which forms the basis of Trade Wins reports. The service will be available to all users for $50 per report. “From the beginning, News Direct has aimed to offer users as much useful data as possible to help them understand the impact of their news distribution efforts. Until now, that's been primarily focused on information that can be gathered from digital media and news portals. Trade Wins provides a more granular view of the engagement their content is receiving within the trade media, which for many companies represents the most fertile opportunities for earned media coverage”, observed Gregg Castano, News Direct Founder and CEO. About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. Contact Details News Direct Media at News Direct media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

October 09, 2023 08:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Greater Miami Jewish Federation to Hold Israel Solidarity Rally on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Greater Miami Jewish Federation

What: Israel Solidarity Rally community-wide gathering Where: Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Who: Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its Jewish Community Relations Council, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and other community organizations When: 6 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Why: In the wake of the unprovoked, deadly, multi-front Hamas attacks on Israel, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation will gather the Miami community at the Holocaust Memorial to show solidarity with the people of Israel. Local leaders, clergy and elected officials will speak. Editor’s note: Media credentials will be required. A media platform will be available for cameras. Live trucks can be parked at 19 th Street. English and Spanish interviews will be available. Day of contact: John P. David at 305.724.3903. In addition to the rally, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has opened an Israel Emergency Fund. Federation is in close contact with its overseas partners and anticipates an unprecedented need for cash to assist victims of terror and their families. As always, Federation will absorb all administrative costs so that 100 percent of funds donated to this emergency campaign will provide critically needed aid to victims and their families. Those wishing to contribute can visit JewishMiami.org/ief or call 305.576.4000. The Mission of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is to mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance the unity, values and shared purpose of the Jewish people in Miami, in Israel and around the world. Contact Details Bonnie Reiter-Lehrer +1 305-798-4422 breiter@gmjf.org John P. David +1 305-724-3903 john@davidpr.com Company Website https://jewishmiami.org/

October 08, 2023 12:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Gamelancer announced strategic rebrand going forward as Vertiqal Studios

Gamelancer Media Corp

Gamelancer Media Corp CEO Jon Dwyer joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discussed significant developments within the company, which is undergoing a major strategic rebrand and will now operate as Vertiqal Studios. Dwyer telling Proactive to the key highlights of this transformation. Vertiqal Studios' rebranding is a strategic move to showcase the company's adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving digital media advertising landscape. The new name reflects Vertiqal Studios' commitment to delivering high-performance, brand-centric advertising solutions for its valued clients. Effective October 2, 2023, the company will begin trading as "VRTS" on the Toronto Stock Exchange as part of its corporate rebrand. Dwyer emphasized that the rebrand to Vertiqal Studios will give the company a fresh and dynamic look, particularly as it expands its operations into the US market. The company believes this evolution will not only enhance its presence in the industry but also open up new opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, Dwyer discussed a change on the corporate side, where co-founders Razvan Romanescu and Darren Lopes will remain on the Board of Directors but will step down from their current positions as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Product Officer. These changes are part of the company's broader efforts to position itself for continued success and growth in the digital media advertising sector. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

October 05, 2023 10:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Minuteman Press Franchise Comes to Poundbury and Dorchester, Moves to Brand New Premises

Minuteman Press International Inc

Sprint Digital, Dorchester's leading small business printers, have successfully completed the transition into a Minuteman Press franchise. Owners David and Juanita Prince have relocated from their town centre premises, shared with the Dorchester Post Office, into their own stand alone premises in Poundbury at 13 & 14 Jubilee Court, Paceycombe Way. David Prince said, “With easy access and free parking, the offices just down from the Buttermarket are well placed for access for our clients. We will also continue to deliver to our existing business customers in Dorchester should they need to ensure a seamless transition for our clients.” Operating for over 50 years to serve local business communities, Minuteman Press International has almost 1000 independently owned and operated franchise locations worldwide. The transition from Sprint Digital to Minuteman Press will give small businesses in Dorchester, Poundbury and its surrounds more access to an extremely wide range of print solutions, from business cards and fliers to small signage, branded promotional items and much more. In response to the rebranding, David and Juanita stated, "The move to Minuteman Press will allow our print business to grow offering the businesses of Dorchester, Poundbury and its surrounds a quality affordable print solution. We are also inviting businesses to shop locally knowing that the product is as environmentally sourced as possible and supported by the expertise of world's leading print franchise.” Mark Jones, Regional VP of Minuteman Press International added, "We are excited to be working with David and Juanita, helping them to grow their franchise whilst supporting the local community with all their print requirements." As part of the conversion David Prince has reaffirmed that MMP Dorchester will take over Sprint Digital's sponsorship of the Dorchester Ladies football team into the 2023/24 season and they will continue to support the developers of Dorchesters Bike Park by providing a range of print solutions for their promotional needs. For more information on Minuteman Press in Dorchester and Poundbury, call 01305 264171 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/uk/locations/england/dorchester/ Minuteman Press provides digital print, design, promotional products and services to businesses. Today they are much more than just print. They can provide anything you can put a name, image or logo on! Minuteman Press International was once again rated the #1 Printing & Marketing Services Franchise in the printing industry by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2023. This is the 32nd time overall and 20th straight year that they have achieved this stellar rating. Learn more about Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at http://minutemanpressfranchise.co.uk Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

October 05, 2023 09:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative Launches Certification Program

Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative

The Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI) is an industry-led consortium of web data collectors focused on strengthening public trust, promoting ethical guidelines, and helping businesses and their customers make informed data extraction choices. The association aims to raise the bar for ethics in the process widely known as “data scraping” with the goal of enhancing trust—a key component of a free, fair, and open Internet. This international, industry-led, and member-driven consortium is announcing an accreditation program developed to bring greater accountability and build consumer confidence in the data collection industry. Over the past several months, the EWDCI has collaborated on a set of core web scraping principles that revolve around legality, ethics, ecosystem engagement, and social responsibility, inviting everyone from across the globe to participate in the development of these principles. The EWDCI launched a public comment period to gather insights that zero in on the most important concerns of companies and individuals about how data is gathered and used. We are proud to announce the launch of the EWDCI accreditation program, wherein eligible companies can receive an EWDCI Certified designation. All companies that receive the EWDCI Certified designation are showing the world that they adhere to these agreed-upon principles and the highest degree of ethics when collecting public web data, while also further advancing the industry’s best practices and accountability. Starting today, companies may apply to become EWDCI Certified. We encourage companies who collect and manage web data to join the consortium—and, most importantly, join the conversation to further develop these principles. The inaugural group of web data aggregators that have earned EWDCI accreditation includes Coresignal, Oxylabs, ProxyEmpire, Rayobyte, Smartproxy, and Zyte. The EWDCI Certified designation isn’t so much the result of our work but rather the culmination of the first stage of a longer process. The web data collection industry is still young, but it’s growing very quickly. As more data-hungry AI tools fall into corporate and private hands, there is a limited opportunity to shape how data-collection practices are developed and perceived. This is why the EWDCI is dedicated to defining positive and beneficial uses of the important abilities and potential of data collection and aggregation at scale. The EWDCI is now focused on furthering the consortium’s mission and scope of practice through the acquisition of public commentary on various topics, which include: How scraped data can be used to ethically train large language models (LLMs) and generative AI models Government access to data and due process Balance between scrapers and target websites Privacy compliance when scraping personal data Preventing tactics that undermine consent and consumer choice Anti-stalkerware efforts “The EWDCI seal is a crucial stamp of approval, but it’s also a way to build industry-led influence with a clear goal of making the free and open Internet a better and safer place,” said Christian Dawson, Executive Director of the i2Coalition. Companies working with web data collection can earn the EWDCI Certified designation by contacting Hilary Osborne at hilary@i2coalition.com. About the Ethical Web Data Aggregation Integrity Initiative The Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI) seeks to foster cooperation in the web data collection and aggregation industry and leverage collective first-hand knowledge and insights to advocate for beneficial technical standards and business best practices regarding the extraction of web data. The EWDCI is dedicated to serving as the voice of the industry, collaboratively strengthening public trust in the practice of data scraping, promoting ethical guidelines, and helping businesses make informed data extraction choices. Learn more about the EWDCI: www.ethicalwebdata.com About i2Coalition The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition, i2C) is the leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers, and related tech. The i2C works with Internet infrastructure providers to advocate for sensible policies, design and reinforce best practices, help create industry standards, and build awareness of how the Internet works. The i2Coalition also spearheaded the creation of the VPN Trust Initiative to establish and promote best practices for that vital industry. Learn more about the i2Coalition: www.i2coalition.com Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://ethicalwebdata.com/

October 04, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 57 58 59 60 61 ... 305