News publishers experienced a double dose of trouble when Covid hit. For years, audiences flocked to social networks to consume information resulting in lost revenue for publishers. Then a bad situation became even worse, as advertisers cut spending during the pandemic and CPMs (cost per one thousand impressions) fell 20%. Yet journalism is critically important, especially in times of turbulence and today’s era of increasing mis- and disinformation, local news deserts, filter bubbles, and echo chambers.

In this panel conversation, Christian Juhl, CEO of GroupM, the largest media investment company in the world, and Pam Wasserstein, President of Vox Media, will discuss the future of media and the crucial role advertising can play in funding journalism and preserving access to credible, reliable information and reporting capable of fueling healthy communities, democracies, and civil society.