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Author: Jo Tomlin

  • PPA launches Good Hiring e-learning course

    PPA launches Good Hiring e-learning course

    The PPA launches the Good Hiring e-learning course, the first flexible, digital learning programme designed specifically to raise the bar for inclusive recruitment in the media sector.

    Developed in response to PPA members, the programme builds on the successful launch of the PPA Good Hiring Code in October 2024, addressing a strategic challenge impacting many in the creative industries: hiring and retaining diverse new talent.

    Devised by Genevieve Miller, PPA’s Talent and Inclusion Lead, and shaped by extensive research and input from PPA members and diversity experts, the new platform provides hiring managers with the essential knowledge and tools to hire with fairness, confidence, and compliance.

    Designed for busy hiring managers across all levels of experience, the programme includes:

    • Eight concise modules, with expert-led video tutorials and downloadable workbooks
    • Practical resources including interview and job design templates, and a ‘just-in-time’ guide to refer back to
    • Guidance on ethical AI use in hiring, legal frameworks, inclusive role design, talent attraction, and tackling unconscious bias

    The course is open to PPA members and non-members.

    “This training marks a major step forward in supporting our members to create inclusive and competitive hiring processes. It provides hiring managers at all levels of experience with a practical, completely flexible toolkit for hiring” said Genevieve Miller.

    Sajeeda Merali, CEO, PPA commented: “Hiring great people is at the heart of every successful media brand, and we know our members are deeply committed to creating more inclusive and effective hiring practices. The Good Hiring e-learning course is a powerful tool to help them do just that, giving hiring managers the confidence, knowledge and practical support to attract and retain diverse talent. It’s a vital step forward for our industry, and one that reflects the ambition and values of our entire sector.”

    Initial rollout will prioritise interest from the PPA’s People & Culture Steering Group, with wider sector engagement to follow.

    You can book and find out more about the The PPA Good Hiring Training here: training.ppa.co.uk

  • Time Out launches ‘The Joy Revolution’

    Time Out launches ‘The Joy Revolution’


    Built on new insight, community-led research and Time Out’s unique connection to cities and their culture, The Joy Revolution is a call to action for advertisers: to create experiences, content and campaigns that prioritise real joy.

    It features:
    – A deep dive into how socialising shapes our brains
    – Exclusive expert commentary from medical professionals as well as Time Out editors
    – Real voices: insights and videos from the Time Out Loud community sharing what joy means to them
    – Case studies in joyful marketing – powerful campaigns that proved meaningful connections drive business results

    Dave Calhoun, Global Chief Content Officer said: “When you’re telling stories about something as joyful as going out, it’s impossible not to feel the buzz yourself. At Time Out, our editors live and breathe the cities they cover, curating the very best food, drink, culture, and entertainment to help people share unforgettable experiences. We want our audience to have the most amazing time celebrating and connecting with others, because bringing people together is what we do best. And that brings us joy, too!”

    For more information about the report contact: joy@timeout.com

  • Immediate announces new director of SEO and audience development

    Immediate announces new director of SEO and audience development

    Neil Dickson will head up Immediate’s SEO and Audience Development team, part of the wider Customer Marketing & Subscriptions department, with a central focus on acquisitions, conversion rate optimisation and upper funnel customer journeys.  

    Dickson has extensive experience in digital marketing and analytics and was most recently Director of SEO at Hearst UK, where he built a successful SEO and affiliate team across 20 lifestyle brands, including Good Housekeeping.   

    Dickson says: “Joining Immediate at this pivotal moment in search, AI, and digital publishing is a privilege. As search engines rapidly transform and generative AI reshapes content consumption, we need agile and innovative strategies. I’m excited to help lead that shift for Immediate’s market-leading brands as we focus on discoverability, relevance and long-term audience growth.” 

    Immediate’s Chief Commercial Officer, Christina Hawley, adds: “Neil brings a proven record of delivering successful SEO strategies for major consumer brands. His expertise will be invaluable in shaping our approach as search transforms in the AI era, accelerating our customer marketing capabilities to become a truly customer centric business.” 

  • Saint John Betteridge

    Saint John Betteridge

    Saint was a much loved and valued member of our community. He supported the PPA throughout the last 30 years across many of his senior sales and executive roles including being on the PPA marketing advisory board where he advocated for a fairer and more diverse media industry.

    He always offered real leadership, believing in the value of coaching and mentoring teams, building life-long relationships with customers as well as being hugely successful across the many media businesses that he represented including Picnic, Unruly, Time Out, Dennis Publishing, Circus Street, Emap and IPC, and more recently helping to place the next generation of executives with The Media Exchange.

    Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and we wanted to share our condolences for such a well-loved member of our community. Anybody that worked with, or for, Saint would know him as a special person that made every day a little bit better and would go out of his way to help others and the industry that he loved.

    A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support his family > https://bit.ly/43pIsTz

  • NEW ENDERS REPORT – Consumers, creators, and brands: Rewriting the media playbook

    NEW ENDERS REPORT – Consumers, creators, and brands: Rewriting the media playbook

    A report published today by the PPA and Enders Analysis tells publishers to prioritise building brands that represent trust, usefulness and community rather than chasing views and clicks through digital channels.

    Commissioned by the PPA, the research sheds light on what today’s consumers truly care about and looks at how publishers can maximise their trusted editorial brand assets, to deliver deeper engagement, long-term value, and sustained growth.

    Titled ‘Consumers, creators, brands: rewriting the media playbook’ it uses data, insights and real-world case studies to show how the dramatic growth of free online content is leading to fragmented consumption, increased competition for attention and the death of the website.

    In order to thrive in this environment, it argues that publishers need to create customer-centric experiences to earn trust and be useful to audiences. This will help them retain audience loyalty and build on their vibrant communities.

    The research shows that, despite rising online media consumption, there is growing digital fatigue which offers an opportunity for publishers. More than half of Instagram users would prefer to live in a world without the app, and 33% of TikTok users said the same. Millennials and other young people are also more likely than the over 65s to pay for subscriptions. This shows there is a strong appetite amongst young audience to commit to high-value content.

    Consumers increasingly also value utility and convenience, and brands that offer a practical service can attract loyal followers. For instance, consumer brand Which? has provided trusted and reliable reviews for its paid subscribers for 68 years. In a landscape where millions of reviews flood our feeds, it has managed to maintain a strong and trusted identify as a source for reliable and independent.

    Sajeeda Merali, CEO of the Professional Publishers Association, said: “Publishers are facing a more complex environment than ever before, where editors, content creators, algorithms, and AI are competing for attention, and traditional structures like websites and search are no longer guaranteed anchors.

    “This report produced in partnership with Enders, cuts through the noise, and reinforces to publishers that whilst technology and social shifts have transformed the media landscape, the fundamental human desire for credible, high-value experiences and connection remains constant. The strong and unique communities which this sector has built, has helped it repeatedly navigate disruption, and this report underlines the importance of deepening those relationships. By investing in those communities, publishers can grow with them, building consumer loyalty and long-term resilience.

    “With this knowledge, we hope to give PPA members the clarity to shape their strategies, unlock new opportunities and ensure that trusted editorial brands continue to thrive.”

    Douglas McCabe, CEO, Enders Analysis commented: “Enders Analysis is delighted to have partnered with the PPA on this 2025 landmark research synthesis. As a starting point to our thinking, we decided to go right back to the fundamentals of people’s behaviour, and capture what they do, what they trust and what they value.

    “What we found is that, in reality, people’s behaviour, technology disruption and social change all interlink, creating complex challenges for media companies. Creators compete directly with media, and AI is undermining some long-held norms about the online era leading to the death of the website. However, people’s underlying needs have not changed so radically. People want useful, convenient services that they can trust, especially when the usefulness and trust are enhanced by strong community.”

    For more information contact info@ppa.co.uk. Members can download the report here

  • New deputy CEO announced at DC Thomson

    New deputy CEO announced at DC Thomson

    The family-owned business, with offices around the UK, Asia and the US, DC Thomson has a trading portfolio structured around eight purpose-led communities: Energy, Puzzles, Local News, History, Kids, Advocacy, Companionship and Golf.

    Some of the UK’s best known brands are central to these communities, including Stylist, Beano, Puzzler, The Courier, Press and Journal and FindmyPast.

    Dolphin will continue to report to Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Miskin.

    Miskin said: “We have been on a phenomenal transformation journey. We now have a strong foundation and an exciting growth trajectory. Ella has been a big part of building this momentum. We have ambitious plans and Ella’s vision, creativity and deep understanding of both our business and the wider media landscape will be central to our ongoing growth. This progress and appointment will allow the company to increase its focus on M&A and continue the transformation across the broader DC Thomson portfolio.”

    Ella Dolphin added: “DC Thomson is a business with a purpose – whether that is advocating for all women in Stylist, supporting early literacy in kids through Beano or bringing the community together in Tayside and Fife with The Courier, and I am deeply committed to the positive impact on the communities we serve. Alongside this, the investment in data, technology and talent is unlocking a new level of understanding about what really matters to our customers and I’m excited to be working with our brilliant teams across the UK as we take this forward.”

  • PA Media Group appoints new Chief Technology Officer

    PA Media Group appoints new Chief Technology Officer

    PA Media Group has announced the appointment of David Henderson to the role of Chief Technology Officer.

    Henderson will join the business in July from Global, the media and entertainment business, where he was Chief Technology & Product Officer.

    He will oversee the end-to-end technology function across the business portfolio and will lead the next phase of PA Media Group’s digital transformation.

    Emily Shelley, CEO PA Media Group, said: “David’s understanding and experience of adapting businesses to meet the changing media landscape will be invaluable as we plan for the future at PA Media Group. He joins the business at an exciting time as we review our platforms and begin a new programme of innovation.”

    Henderson commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining PA Media Group at a time of renewal. Audiences want and expect information they can rely on, and PA Media Group has a standout reputation for being a trusted leader in the media industry. I look forward to bringing fresh thinking and new technologies to drive growth and innovation for customers.”

    Henderson will work alongside Ranj Begley who recently took up the role of Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director of PA Media. In January Jack Lefley joined as Editor-in-Chief of PA Media.

    At Global, Henderson led an ambitious digital transformation that grew revenues, diversified channels, and increased audiences. He has previously held leadership roles in the media, sports and gaming industries, including as Chief Information Officer at dmg media, the owner of Daily Mail, Metro, and Mail Online.

  • PLS and ALCS partner with CLA on generative AI licence

    PLS and ALCS partner with CLA on generative AI licence

    This pioneering licence will cover uses such as AI model training, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), providing a clear, legal framework for the use of copyrighted works in generative AI. It will offer rightsholders who can’t engage in direct negotiations with AI developers a means of being fairly remunerated, while ensuring their content is protected and copyright upheld.

    The new collective licence will offer a cost-effective and convenient solution to AI developers who are required to obtain permission to use content to innovate and develop models.

    The UK government is currently reviewing responses to a recent consultation on copyright and AI, including a proposal to introduce a new copyright exception for text and data mining, an idea widely opposed by rightsholders. This new licence reinforces that licensing, not exceptions, offers a fair and workable solution for both sides.

    It also builds on CLA’s expanding suite of licences for commercial text and data mining and workplace use of content in generative AI prompts, the first of which launches on 1 May.

    PLS and ALCS will now collaborate with the CLA to shape the licence terms, prioritising transparency and fair remuneration. The new generative AI licence is expected to launch in Q3 2025.

    Tom West, CEO, PLS said: “For over four decades PLS and our partners have delivered collective licensing solutions at scale, enabling the legitimate, lawful re-use of trusted, high-value content.  As the generative AI revolution accelerates, PLS and our partners are uniquely placed to offer collective solutions, supporting both the rightsholders whose interests we represent and the AI companies that rely on high-quality content to train and ground their models.

    Following an initial consultation phase with publishers last year and significant groundwork over recent months I am pleased to move forward with this important and much needed initiative to support an equitable, transparent, and sustainable framework for content use in the age of AI.”

    Barbara Hayes, CEO, ALCS commented: “When we surveyed our members last year, they made it clear that they expect us to do something about their works being used to train AI. The Goverment proposal to introduce a copyright exception would give very limited choice, wouldn’t remunerate creators or provide any transparency about which works are being, and so we’re pleased to be working with our partners at PLS and CLA to develop a licence that would deliver on these terms for writers and deomstrate that licensing is a viable and practical solution.”

    Mat Pfleger, CEO, CLA added: “Training AI models on copyrighted content requires permission and compensation. CLA’s collective licence will further demonstrate that licensing is the answer and can provide a market-based solution that is efficient and effective. Our goal is to provide a clear, legal pathway for access to quality content. One that empowers innovators to develop transformative generative AI technologies whilst respecting copyright and compensating rightsholders and creators where their works are used.”

  • PLS announces new Chair

    PLS announces new Chair

    Shah has extensive experience of chair and board level roles within the creative industries, tech, and legal sectors. She is currently Council Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of UK Research and Innovation, Board Director and Council Member at the Advertising Standards Authority, Chair of the King’s Counsel Appointments Board, and Chair of Wikimedia UK. She is also currently a trustee of the Art Fund and Royal Collection Trust.

    Shah’s previous experience also includes board roles at the Office for Students (2018-2022), Donmar Warehouse (2018-2019), and the Ofcom Content Board (2017-2023). She was also previously trustee at the Foundling Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate. From 2015 to 2021, Monisha served as Independent Member on the Committee on Standards in Public Life and from 2015 to 2021, she was Board Chair at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance.

    From 1999 to 2010, Shah was Director of Sales for Emerging Markets, EMEIA, at BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) and during that time served as a board member for BBC Worldwide India Channels Limited and Worldwide Media Limited, a joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Times of India Group that published key BBC magazine titles.

    Shah will begin her term as Chair on 1 June.

    PLS has recently been working on collective licensing opportunities for artificial intelligence, and has played an active role in the Creative Rights in AI Coalition and the Make it Fair campaign, which has been calling on the government to ensure a sustainable future for AI and the UK’s creative industries. PLS has paid out £48 million to publishers in licensing revenues in the past 12 months.

    Monisha Shah said: “I care deeply about fair value for intellectual property rights. Licensing matters because it supports a flourishing creative economy. It ensures access to users and allows for sustainable innovation for creators and publishers. I am delighted to join the Board of PLS at this time of transformational change presented by new technologies to maintain the UK’s ‘gold standard’ copyright framework.”

    Rosie Glazebrook, current PLS Chair, said: “I am handing over as Chair at a time of challenge and opportunity for publishers with licensing related to AI uses taking centre stage.  I am confident PLS has the expertise and team to continue its excellent work providing revenues from licensing to publishers and I wish Monisha all the best.”

    Tom West, PLS Chief Executive, said: “Monisha joins at a pivotal moment for the industry and for PLS, as collective management organisations play an increasingly important role in helping to safeguard copyright and the future of the UK’s creative industries amidst rapid technological change, including the rise of AI. Her significant boardroom and commercial experience will be invaluable as we navigate these challenges, and I very much look forward to working with her”.

  • William Reed Group appoints Tracy De Groose as new CEO

    William Reed Group appoints Tracy De Groose as new CEO

    William Reed Group, the global media company serving the agri-tech, food, beverage, retail and hospitality sectors, has announced the appointment of Tracy De Groose as its new Chief Executive Officer, reporting into Charles Reed.

    De Groose brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the role, marking a significant milestone in William Reed’s growth and strategic direction.

    In her new role, De Groose will oversee all aspects of William Reed’s global operations, including its portfolio of brands, digital platforms, exhibitions and events.

    Previously De Groose served as CEO of Dentsu UK, where she led the business through a period of rapid growth and digital evolution, and most recently, as Executive Chair of Newsworks, the news publishing industry’s marketing body.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Tracy to William Reed” said Charles Reed. “Tracy will be our first non-family CEO. Her proven track record of scaling brands and businesses, and her people-first mindset to leading change will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our business to meet the needs of our dynamic industries. Tracy’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in leadership that enhances our long-term growth strategy.”

    Commenting on her appointment, De Groose said, “William Reed has a 160-year commitment to its purpose, its people, and the clients and audiences it serves. It has some incredibly strong brands, like The Grocer and World’s 50 Best. Over the last 20 years, the team have been successfully transforming the business during a period of significant digital disruption to deliver impressive growth and exceptional value for its customers. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to help shape the next stage of its growth.”

    She will take over from Charles Reed, who will become Chair, when Mark Allin steps down at the end of the year. Reed will support and work with De Groose to continue the development of the business, liaising between the Board and Family shareholders to develop strong governance and succession planning and will play an ambassadorial role, representing the business and family where appropriate.