MEDIA SUPERPOWERS Podcast

Hero Profile

Name: Craig SwerdloffTitle: CEO and Founder, WellPutMedia Superpower: Turning complex advertising challenges into simple, scalable solutions—anchored in integrity and decades of email industry expertise.

Origin Story

Craig Swerdloff’s story starts in a blue-collar New York family where doing what you say was non-negotiable. “If you’re going to say you’re going to do something, then do it—and do it the right way,” he recalls. That ethic has guided every chapter since.

His first brush with digital media came almost by accident—a one-credit internship at Vermont’s first internet café in the mid-90s. “For the first time I saw what this internet thing was about,” he said. From there, he joined an ad network in New York’s original Silicon Alley, working through martini lunches and early online advertising experiments before helping scale a company to 2,000 employees across 30 countries.

By 2001, the entrepreneurial spark took over. “I’ve made every mistake someone can make,” Craig laughs, “but that experience helps me mentor others. The highs are less high and the lows are less low.”

Lessons & Strategies

Across decades in email advertising, one truth stood out: publishers crave control. “They didn’t like not knowing who the advertisers were in their newsletters—and they didn’t feel they were getting paid enough.”

WellPut was born from that insight. Modeled after Morning Brew’s engaging newsletter format, the platform helps publishers fill unsold sponsorship inventory while choosing which brands appear beside their content. “We give publishers control, simplicity, and transparency. You pick your sponsors, match creative templates to your voice, and just paste it in. No complex tech.”

Craig believes newsletters are one of the most undervalued assets in traditional media: “Publishers are being disintermediated from their audiences, and AI will only make it worse. A newsletter is the direct line back.” His advice is blunt:

“Make the newsletter easy to find. Don’t bury the sign-up link. And don’t just drive readers back to your site—monetize them where they already are.”

It’s not just theory. WellPut now supports newsletters on Substack, Beehive, Marigold ESPs, and beyond—from small lists to millions-strong publishers like Bustle Digital.

“Nobody in the world has more experience with advertising in email than I do,” Craig says with a grin. “And I’ve got the gray beard to prove it.”

Collaborate

Get in contact or collaborate with Craig:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigswerdloff/

* Website: https://www.wellput.io/newsletters

Join the Movement

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Affirmations

Were you inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself. Give an affirmation in the MDR Slack Channel. It matters when you take the time. It can be as simple as tagging the person and adding three adjectives that describe them—or saying something that encouraged or inspired you.

Sign up or enter the Slack channel: slack.peopleofmedia.com

*I use AI in the production/refinement of some written content. See my boundaries for ethical AI usage in the content I create: https://datajoe.substack.com/p/ai-policy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit datajoe.substack.com

Author’s Note: This interview has been a long time coming. Guy has been a mentor and encourager to me in my role as CEO of DataJoe for many years now. It’s an honor for me to honor who he is, as a mentor, to me and so many others in the industry. Guy — thank you for your excitement, enthusiasm, innovation, and more than anything, your generosity.

Hero Profile

Guy TasakaFounder, Tasaka DigitalMedia Superpower: Reading the signals — the gift of spotting patterns early, acting with courage, and helping local publishers navigate disruption before it arrives.

Origin Story

Guy Tasaka never set out to be called a “media futurist.” He prefers “local media optimist.” After four decades across research, media, and technology, his optimism feels earned.

He began in market research, eventually joining Macworld Magazine in the 1980s. From there, he became part of media’s defining experiments—launching NYTimes.com when it was still a “skunkworks project,” and later building the first local paywall at The Commercial Appeal. Each chapter sharpened his ability to spot what was coming next.

When the New York Times eliminated his position in 2005, a trusted boss gave advice that changed his life: “Take your severance and go reinvent yourself.” Guy listened—and that decision propelled him into two decades of reinvention. From digital editions to streaming video to mobile strategy, he became what he jokingly calls the “Forrest Gump of digital media”—always appearing at the crossroads of change.

“I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had over the last 20 years if I’d stayed. Reinvention became my superpower.”

Lessons & Strategies

1. Read the signals.Guy’s framework for innovation sounds deceptively simple: pattern recognition, probability of outcome, and execution. “That’s how Gretzky skated to where the puck was going,” he says. “If you’re not lightning fast with execution, you’ll be watching others skate there instead.”

2. Do less with less—but use the tools.He believes community publishers have the greatest opportunity—and the greatest risk. “Their biggest competitor will be the last person they fired,” he warns. “A media entrepreneur using AI can 10x themselves.” His counsel: start experimenting, upgrade your tools, and stay curious. “Don’t try to catch up. Just start today and connect the dots backward.”

3. Stay humble, stay teachable.A single piece of advice shaped his career: Be a generalist. “You won’t make as much early on,” Guy recalls a mentor telling him, “but your opportunities will multiply.” That philosophy led to six career pivots and a leadership style marked by curiosity and gratitude.

4. Find smart friends.For those overwhelmed by new technology, Guy suggests partnership over perfection. “Find someone who knows more than you do and let them help guide your journey. That’s what I did. Even now, the tools change every two months—so humility is your best strategy.”

Collaborate

Get in contact or collaborate with Guy!

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guytasaka/

* Web Site: https://www.tasakadigital.com/

Join the Movement

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Affirmations

Were you inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself. Give an affirmation in the MDR Slack Channel. It matters when you take the time. Tag Guy and add three adjectives that describe him—or share what encouraged you.

Join or sign up here: slack.peopleofmedia.com

*I use AI in the production/refinement of some written content. See my boundaries for ethical AI usage in the content I create: https://datajoe.substack.com/p/ai-policy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit datajoe.substack.com

Hero Profile

* Name: Chris Johnson

* Title: Director of Publishing Strategies, MediaOS | Publisher, Style Creative Media

* Media Superpower: Turning change into opportunity—coaching publishers to adapt, grow, and thrive through flexibility, hope, and strategic wisdom.

Origin Story

In 2003, Chris Johnson wasn’t looking for a publishing career—he was looking for a way to serve his community while providing for his family. Over pancakes at an IHOP, he met a woman ready to sell her small publishing company after life’s setbacks. Chris saw both a challenge and a calling. “I wanted a business that did two things—served the community and provided for my family,” he says. That conversation led him to buy his first publication and build Style Creative Media, where community service and business excellence became inseparable.

But the journey took an unexpected turn. In 2021, Chris was hit by a car and spent nearly a year recovering. During that time, his son stepped in to lead the family business. When Chris returned, he felt the pull toward something new. Having been a MediaOS client, he approached founder Joel Swanson with an offer: “I think I can offer value to your team. I’ve been a publisher for 20 years. Let me help other publishers succeed.” Joel agreed immediately—and Chris stepped into a role designed for his next chapter.

Lessons & Strategies

1. Use change as an asset.“Most people hate change. I love it,” Chris says. “I rearrange my office every few months because I need variety. In business, I use change as a competitive edge.” That mindset helped him innovate during COVID when advertisers were struggling. Instead of canceling contracts, he pivoted to digital-only issues, cutting costs and giving clients flexibility. The result? “We were still profitable, and advertisers thanked us for being so community-focused.”

2. Build hope through flexibility.Chris views hope not as wishful thinking but as strategic posture. Johnny and Chris agreed: Hope is a warrior emotion. You can face uncertainty with fear or with hope—and hope equips you to win. When the future feels like a monster, Chris helps publishers see that “maybe the monster is a treasure.” His coaching centers on helping them stay flexible and optimistic through turbulence.

3. Stay teachable and adaptable.The publishers who thrive, Chris says, are those willing to change. “Technology, audience behavior, revenue models—they’re all evolving. You’ve got to get on the train. The world’s changing too fast to stay still.” His best clients are adventurers at heart—teachable, curious, and brave enough to adapt.

4. Lead with collaboration and respect.Inside his own companies, Chris champions lively debate. “If you don’t have the energy to share your opinion, you’re not a fit. I want your head and your heart.” That culture of mutual respect builds loyalty—and unlocks better ideas than one leader could ever create alone.

Join the Movement

* Subscribe for more publisher stories and insights: https://subscribe.peopleofmedia.com

* Be a guest! Share your story in the Publisher Survey: https://survey.peopleofmedia.com

Affirmations

Were you inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself. Give an affirmation in the MDR Slack Channel. It matters when you take the time. Tag Chris and add three adjectives that describe him—or share what encouraged you.

Join or sign in at: slack.peopleofmedia.com

*I use AI in the production/refinement of some written content.See my boundaries for ethical AI usage in the content I create. https://datajoe.substack.com/p/ai-policy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit datajoe.substack.com

Hero Profile

Joel Hughes — Founder, Paperback LabsMedia superpower: Turning messy, legacy content into a living “insights engine” that drives privacy-safe engagement and new revenue.

Origin Story

Joel entered media right as the web began reshaping everything. A computer science grad who pictured “ink and paper,” he instead found himself in IT at a publisher as the “digital department” sat like red-armor stormtroopers at the edge of the business. That vantage point forced him to learn every function—editorial, production, accounting—and to evolve fast. He bounced across roles and companies, then in 2019 a layoff nudged him toward entrepreneurship. Consulting proved noisy and exhausting—until a prospect call about CDP value unlocked the big idea: use AI to read content and infer audience intent. Joel built the MVP himself, guided by a chat window tutor. “I have to experience things completely…and then pivot quickly,” he says. The pilot landed, the product stuck, and insights were born.

Lessons & Strategies

1) Classify content, not people.Publishers can infer intent from the page itself. “It’s way better for privacy…kind of cookie-proof,” Joel notes. Label content for helpfulness and purchase proximity; then use those signals to power on-site recommendations, segmentation, and sales narratives—without chasing users around the web.

2) Ship the thing. Then sell it.After that prospect call, Joel asked himself, “What if I just build this as a minimum viable product…‘I made this thing. Do you want to buy this thing?’” The move from slides to software converted curiosity into contracts. Lesson: prototype against one concrete use case; let results do the persuading.

3) Pair two databases: audience + content.When your content graph (vectors, taxonomy, “helpfulness” index) meets your first-party graph (CDP), you get smarter targeting and products: related-content widgets that actually help; chat interfaces grounded in your archive; context windows for ad and commerce plays. Paperback Labs integrates via APIs, plugs into CMS (e.g., Param1) and CDP (e.g., Omeda), and can act as either the intelligence layer or end-to-end via widgets.

4) Build resilience as a product skill.Joel admits he’s “a late bloomer on…resilience,” but sticking through the lows mattered as much as the code. Leaders should resource the change—train staff, align incentives, and set a cadence that survives rough patches.

What he’d tell publishers:

Start with the jobs your content can do for users today. Measure “helpfulness,” not just topic. Use LLMs to extract metadata and intent at scale, then turn those signals into products that recover search leakage and create incremental revenue.

Collaborate

Collaborate with Joel!

Website: https://www.paperbak.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldhughes/

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Who should call Joel tomorrow? Heads of digital revenue seeking new products and monetization from existing content—and audience leaders aiming to boost engagement, recover page views lost to AI search, and grow first-party data with privacy-safe signals.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit datajoe.substack.com

Hero Profile

* Logan Aguirre — Publisher & Owner, 417 Magazine

* Hero Type: Connector/Dreamer

* Media Superpower: Turning vision into reality by weaving together stories, people, and opportunities that root a community in pride, belonging, and possibility.

Origin Story

For Logan Aguirre, storytelling is in her DNA. She grew up in a media household—her father in TV news, her mother in PR and marketing—and absorbed a love for stories from family gatherings where her grandfather held court as a master storyteller. After starting her career in New York in marketing and PR, she returned home to Southwest Missouri in 2006 to join 417 Magazine, the regional brand her parents founded. By 2020, she purchased the company herself.

That transition was more than a business move. It was about planting roots. “Rooted is a word that comes to me a lot when I think about our brand,” she says. “We have the opportunity to make people feel rooted in something—not just a magazine, but an identity for our region.”

Lessons & Strategies

Logan has led 417 into its 27th year with a clear vision for what thriving looks like in today’s media landscape.

* Transparency breeds resilience. Logan implemented The Great Game of Business, an open-book operating system where the team forecasts numbers together each week. “When you’re that transparent and looking ahead, you’re able to catch things before they don’t go well. It multiplies the brain power.” The system also gave 417 the financial discipline to price properly and plan for the long term.

* Earn the right to be the community. A pivotal moment came when a longtime advertiser told her, “Well, you guys are the community.” That clarity shifted everything—from rebranding to the way 417 talks to both readers and advertisers. Logan puts it simply: “You just have to authentically show up as the cheerleader of your area.”

* Integrity is non-negotiable. Logan recalls a difficult call to pull a major feature when the data didn’t meet their standards. “We didn’t feel it was 100 percent accurate, so we pivoted. I called stakeholders personally to explain—and people thanked me. Telling the truth earned us even more trust.”

Beyond these principles, Logan believes in surrounding herself with experts and mentors who expand her team’s capacity. She credits partners like Melissa Chowning for helping 417 stay ahead of AI and digital shifts. And she continually pushes her brand “beyond the page” with new events and programs, from menopause-focused community gatherings to The Legacy Network, a crash-course mentorship program for emerging business leaders.

Join the Movement

Stories like Logan’s remind us what local media can be: rooted, resilient, and community-first.

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Five Key Takeaways

* “When I look at data, I see dollar signs, not zero and ones.”Data isn't just operational—it’s a revenue stream waiting to be tapped.

* “We have created about $65 million in revenue on behalf of our publishers since we started the company.”Monetization through data isn’t theory. It’s happening now for small and large publishers.

* “The through line for all of them… is that their audiences are high value and their advertisers are asking for more.”Publishers must move beyond impressions to deliver the who and the what of user behavior.

* “We’re actually doing the production and the activation. We want our publishers to focus on selling.”Leverage Lab takes care of strategy and execution—publishers just need to sell.

* “How do you build your business around knowing your customer?”First-party data isn't just defense against the cookie collapse—it’s a competitive advantage.

Two Powerhouses, One Purpose

Tim Bradbury of 5X5 and AnnMarie Wills of Leverage Lab are longtime veterans of the media industry, now teaming up to solve a massive problem: how to help small and mid-sized publishers actually make money from their data.

“My reason for existing… has been really revolved around monetizing data.” said AnnMarie.

Leverage Lab (technology platform, first party data strategy) helps publishers monetize first-party data by unifying siloed systems, enriching profiles, and activating high-value audience segments. Their composable CDP in Google Cloud builds “baseball cards” of user insight, enabling precise targeting, increased revenue, and full-service campaign execution—so publishers can focus on selling while Leverage Lab handles the rest.

5X5 (data, identity resolution) is a massive data intelligence platform that processes over 50 billion behavioral signals daily and houses more than 400 million records. Its core strength is identity resolution and signal enrichment—helping publishers understand who their digital users are by matching anonymous site traffic to rich, multi-dimensional profiles. These profiles include both personal and professional attributes (job title, company, household income, digital behaviors, etc.)

Together, Leverage Lab and 5X5 form a complete data-to-revenue engine for publishers. 5X5 provides massive, real-time data enrichment and identity resolution, turning anonymous users into full profiles. Leverage Lab organizes, strategizes, and activates that data—building audience segments, powering multi-channel campaigns, and delivering monetization.

I have respected both AnnMarie and Tim for years, and when I heard they were working together, I knew it was going to be magical for the publishing world. I had to get in there and see what’s going on.

From Crude Oil to Revenue

Together, Leverage Lab and 5X5 give small and midsized publishers enterprise-grade data power: identity resolution, profile enrichment, and revenue-ready activation—all without “boiling the ocean” as Tim likes to say.

Leverage Lab uses 5X5 data in three concrete ways on behalf of their media clients:

* Profile Enrichment: Adds MANY additional fields (job title, income, household, etc.) to existing audience records, filling in critical gaps for lead gen and sales.

* Audience Matching & Addressability: Boosts digital ad match rates from ~30% to 70–80% by leveraging 5X5’s vast identity signals across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

* Identity Resolution: Connects anonymous website visitors to known user profiles (“baseball cards”), enabling precision retargeting and segment creation for monetization.

AnnMarie:

“We’re creating robust “baseball cards”… and 5X5 gives us more points of addressability … If I can’t connect them… I miss that whole view.”

A Simple Revenue Reality

The bigges sign that your market is ready for enhanced advertising packages that leverage your rich understanding of your high-value niche audiences: Your advertisers, especially your larger and more sophisticated clients, are asking for more. More insight, more targeting, more buyer intent.

Advertisers are getting more and more sophisticated, and Leverage Lab even works with sales team to help them understand how to sell powerfully targeted advertising campaigns to more sophisticated advertisers who understand the value of targeting, and will pay generously for high-converting campaigns that leverage deep understanding.

Built for Action, Not Complexity

This partnership is a full playbook—built on decades of media experience—to help publishers evolve their monetization without overhauling their entire operation.

Golden Hour for Publishers

The partnership between Leverage Lab and 5X5 comes at a pivotal moment. As AI disrupts referral traffic, small and midsized publishers are feeling the pressure to take control of their audience data.

This is no longer a theoretical conversation. The tools exist. The strategies are proven. Publishers who keep pushing forward can turn anonymous traffic into addressable, monetizable segments—unlocking new revenue, deepening advertiser relationships, and future-proofing their business.

There are a lot of shiny things to look at. But knowing your audience is the product. Time and time again I have had it confirmed to me that the soul of media is being the voice and heart of a niche community. Knowing your audience. And serving both your audience and advertisers through that deep knowledge.

And the partnership between Leverage Lab and 5X5 is leading the way for deeper knowledge. Keep an eye on this duo!

Read more at: https://datajoe.substack.com/t/people-of-media

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit datajoe.substack.com

He’s sold software to a thousand, if not thousands, of publishers, but that’s not what defines him. Andrew Conti is a small-town soul building trust, empathy, and community; one relationship at a time.

Default to Help

“I always fancied myself an entrepreneurial guy,” says Andrew, “but never had the guts to do it.” So instead, he did the next best thing and became an advocate. “If I can help someone realize their dream, that’s a pretty powerful feeling.”

That spirit led him through a 24-year run at CWC Software, helping publishers big and small with QuickFill. “I loved the ones who were just launching, just starting out. No idea what they were doing, but passionate.”

A Cape Cod Upbringing

Raised on Cape Cod, where winters were quiet and relationships ran deep, Andrew says, “You build your village. Keep your people close.” His family taught him this: “If you can help, you help. Do right by everyone. Hopefully they do right by you.”That ethic stuck. “My network is my superpower,” he says. “It’s my Rolodex—with a sense of humor.”

Staying Power and Still Water

Andrew roots himself down and stays wherever he is planted. 24 years at CWC. 12 more at PSA.

Now, he’s found what he calls his “last job” at MediaOS. This is the harbor where he has chosen to anchor his boat for the third act of his career.

“The best gift I give,” he says, “is empathy. Just being a good ear. Still water. A safe harbor.” He listens. He connects. He remembers.

And his network responds. “They text me industry gossip on Saturday. They call me for lobster spots on Cape Cod.”

MediaOS: Platform Meets Purpose

When Joel Pape showed him MediaOS, Andrew saw a dream fulfilled. “It’s the one-source platform we always wanted—CRM, CDP, ad server, circulation—all in one.”Now, he’s doing what he loves: building bridges between the platform and the people. “Let me be my own entrepreneur—with Joel’s money,” he jokes. But he’s serious about the mission: “Build the village. Empower the community.”

Advice for Publishers

“Go back to your core,” Andrew says. “Monetize what you already have. Spin off your content. Own your photos. Build the village around your niche.”For Andrew, it’s always about the long game: “Keep your promises. Stay consistent.”

Let’s Keep BuildingPeople of Media exists to amplify the stories of good people in media seeking to benefit the industry. Join the community! Join the conversation!

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📌 3 Big Takeaways:

* Substack isn’t disrupting traditional media—it’s disrupting social media.

* The core asset of local media is trust and community—something Substack is built to support.

* Hamish foresees a shift in which media orgs partner with creators, rather than operating in the traditional employer/employee relationship.

From Crocodiles to Content Platforms

In our latest People of Media conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack, the platform behind this very newsletter.

From his childhood tales of “crocodiles stuck in toilets” to covering Elon Musk at Tesla, Hamish has always been driven by a love for storytelling and journalism.

“I decided I wanted to be a journalist. I couldn’t think of a better job,” he said. “You can hold power to account, speak truth to power... You can get policies changed.”

Today, Hamish isn’t a journalist in the traditional sense—he’s something more. “I’m not doing the work directly,” he explained, “but I get to enable many journalists to do it. That’s even better.”

Vision-Driven

Hamish is a visionary with bold ideas that challenge the status quo. He doesn’t just respond to shifts in media. He imagines new futures and builds toward them. His thinking reframes how we understand publishing, trust, and technology—and opens the door to a different kind of media system.

And while his company is seen as a disruptor, he draws a line:

“We’re not disrupting traditional media. That already happened. We’re disrupting social media.”

Platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram “just want to take what you’ve got and keep it in their systems,” he says. In contrast, “Substack wins when you win.”

That’s the main weapon in Substack’s fight against the “attention monsters.”

Keeping Talent in the New Era: Ownership vs. Employment

Hamish made a powerful case for embracing the full spectrum of creator mindsets inside media organizations. “Some people are going to want to do the independent thing and are going to be successful at it. You’re better off having a piece of it and looking to invest in that, rather than trying to trap them until they get frustrated and leave anyway.”

He contrasted this with staffers who “are going to be happier as being part of a newsroom,” valuing the structure, paycheck, and camaraderie.

As mentioned in Don Harkey’s keynote at the recent Denver CRMA conference, leadership’s relationship with teams is changing, especially as Boomers continue to hand the reigns to the next generations, who think very differently. This is a time to be open to ideas that might have seemed too disruptive or inconvenient in ages past.

In Hamish’s mind, one key is offering both paths. Publishers who want to retain top-tier, entrepreneurial talent will need to think beyond salary and into co-ownership. By supporting individual creators with aligned incentives—giving them space to build a presence, share in subscription revenue, or own their audience relationships—media orgs can stay relevant and vibrant in the age of supported influencers.

💡 Want more voices like Hamish McKenzie? See more People of Media at https://peopleofedia.com

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Top 5 Takeaways:

* 🎯 Master the Fundamentals: Melissa believes the most overlooked asset in media is the audience, and everything should be built on understanding and serving them.

* 👶 Your Audience Is Your Baby: Like raising a child, audience needs evolve. Success depends on how well publishers nurture, listen to, and adapt to their audiences over time.

* 🔬 Focus Over Everything: Amid all the noise, Melissa argues that the fight isn’t for more tools—it’s for focus. Choose your core and go deep.

* 🔁 Experiment, but Intentionally: Innovation is essential, but it only matters if you have the infrastructure to measure success. Don’t throw spaghetti at the wall.

* 💡 Start With Subtraction: If your team is maxed out, look to the data to identify what’s not working and stop doing it. That’s how you reclaim the time to innovate.

I’ve admired Melissa Chowning for a long time, and after this conversation, I admire her even more. She’s not only the founder and CEO of Twenty-First Digital—she’s a mother, a strategist, and a master at helping media companies cut through the chaos.

From Paper Routes to Boardrooms

Melissa’s media journey began at age 10, delivering newspapers. But that early start evolved into a lifelong career in media, from circulation roles at D Magazine to launching her own firm after realizing there had to be a better way to balance work and motherhood.

A Risk Aligned with Values

Faced with the challenge of commuting, pumping in the car, and burning out, Melissa made a decision many dream of but few take: she launched her business from a place of deep personal clarity. She needed to be home with her kids—and the industry needed her insights. The demand came fast, and her passion fueled the long nights.

“The business was my third child,” she said. “I’d get my kids to bed and go back to work until 11:30.”

Helping Publishers Focus on What Matters

Melissa’s core conviction is simple but profound: Audience is the most important asset a publisher has. Her company helps media teams:

* Build and leverage first-party data

* Simplify and clarify their analytics

* Prioritize what content and strategies are actually working

* Drop what’s not serving them

“We help publishers master their fundamentals and find their focus,” she said. “From there, everything becomes possible.”

Melissa’s story is a reminder that greatness often looks like clarity, consistency, and courage. You can learn more about her work at twentyfirstdigital.com.

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Top 5 Takeaways:

* 📰 Newsprint Runs Deep: Blair's media career is rooted in personal passion, starting at age 14 with Creative Loafing—he didn’t just read the paper, he felt it.

* 💡 Dreamer Connector: Blair blends big vision with a relational spirit, helping publishers reimagine possibilities while making them feel understood and supported.

* 🧰 From Passion to Practicality: As co-founder of Charleston City Paper, Blair helped build a $400K+ “Best Of” franchise and now helps others monetize events and engagement.

* 🤝 The Power of Outside Eyes: Blair helps publishers break free from operational paralysis by offering clear, experienced, and empathetic insight from the outside in.

* ⚙️ CitySpark’s Edge: Through reverse publishing, event automation, and self-service monetization, Blair is helping local publishers generate revenue and reclaim precious time.

If you could bottle authentic affection for the media industry, Blair Barna would be the label. He's the VP of Sales at CitySpark, but that title only scratches the surface. Blair is a creative force, a relationship builder, and a passionate advocate for publishers trying to survive—and thrive—in the digital storm.

Newsprint in His Blood

It all started with Creative Loafing. At just 14 years old, Blair discovered the pulse of Atlanta’s cultural scene through the alt-weekly. “It felt like the heartbeat of the city,” he said. He later got a job at their Savannah location and ultimately co-founded Charleston City Paper, where he led the advertising and innovation charge.

“I didn’t just fall into media. I chased it.”

Creative Meets Commercial

Blair doesn’t fit neatly into a sales box. He's a designer, a strategist, and a deeply curious mind. “I loved creating campaigns, designing ads, and helping SMBs thrive,” he said. He built ad programs around ideas—not just inventory—and believes strongly that advertising, when done right, is a creative and noble act.

From Publisher to Platform

At CitySpark, Blair is helping local media regain what they've lost: time and focus. CitySpark’s tools automate event listings, enable reverse publishing across platforms, and introduce self-service monetization for events and “Best Of” ballots—tools Blair once pioneered as a publisher himself.

“You have to sell success,” he said. “Use all your resources to help your advertisers win.”

Blair isn’t selling software. He’s helping publishers reimagine their models and remember their purpose. Learn more about Blair and what CitySpark can do for your publication at cityspark.com.

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