AAM’s Media Mavens Share How They Stay Informed in an Ever-Changing Market

AAM’s Media Mavens series features exceptional media professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to quality and transparency throughout their careers to make a positive impact.

We recently asked several mavens to share their top sources to help them stay informed in an ever-changing market. Here are their responses.

Industry Publications

All mavens mentioned accessing industry-specific publications. This includes traditional media as well as news from industry associations.

RaMeka Johnson, circulation sales manager for the Chicago Tribune, says her company’s newspaper is her go-to source for all news, but she also follows two industry sources. “I like the dailyxchange from News/Media Alliance and the retail news and trends on Retail Dive.”

Aaron Kotarek, senior vice president, audience and operations for the Honolulu Star-Advertisers/Oahu Publications, Inc., follows multiple sources covering news media. “I look to Editor & Publisher, the Daily Clips, Poynter and the Nieman Journalism Lab.”

Susan Severance, senior director of advertising sales, AARP Media Network, follows Digiday, Business Insider and Fast Company. “And all of MediaPost’s publications.”

“I don’t have one ultimate source,” said Carey Witmer, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, a360media. “I read B2B trades from specific categories we serve, like entertainment. I also love the Media Star newsletter, eMarketer, Trend Hunter and ADWEEK.”

Social Media and Networking

Several mavens mentioned LinkedIn as a top source for information. “I follow smart people on LinkedIn,” Witmer said. She added that she also engages in live conversations with marketers to stay on top of what’s happening in the industry.

Kotarek, who also cited LinkedIn as a top source, relies on his network for information. “I look to my circle of industry confidantes for pertinent and relevant industry happenings.”

Google Alerts

Nicole Divinagracia, president of the Point of Care Marketing Association (POCMA), relies on a mix of industry-specific publications and news outlets to stay informed, but she also recommends Google Alerts as an invaluable supplement.

“It’s a great way to uncover emerging trends and articles that might not be picked up immediately by traditional trade publications.”

Erica Krauss, senior vice president of media investment, Publicis Media, also uses the tool.

“I set Google Alerts for key terms, clients and categories that are important for the industry and let the news come to me,” Krauss said. “That way, I don’t miss anything, since you never know where news is going to land.”