Podcast appearances and mentions of ben downing

Sermon by Ben Downing. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard

What's blocking our climate tech breakthroughs?It's not the tech. It's the process.Ben Downing has seen the system from both sides—first as a Massachusetts state senator, then as VP at Nexamp scaling solar across the country. Now, as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, MIT's accelerator for “tough tech,” he's helping commercialize game-changing innovations that can decarbonize the toughest sectors—steel, cement, transmission, and beyond.But it's not just about the science. It's about fixing the systems—permitting, infrastructure, policy—that stall progress. In this episode, Ben shares why real-world deployment is the biggest hurdle… and how The Engine is building what he calls a “Solutions Factory” to overcome it.Expect to learn: ⚡ Why product-market fit is the #1 blind spot for climate tech founders⚡ How startups like Sublime and Commonwealth Fusion are scaling real impact⚡ Why Massachusetts might be the best place to pilot manufacturing⚡ How to rebuild broken processes that stall startup successBen's optimism is infectious—and it's backed by hard-won insight from the frontlines of policy and innovation. If you've ever wondered why brilliant climate ideas stall out and how to course-correct, press play and take notes.If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

How do we make our communities more resilient to extreme weather events? How do we become smarter about using and recycling water, one of the most precious resources on our planet? And how can we turn the textile industry into a more circular and sustainable economy that reduces waste and develops new fibers and materials?Welcome to season seven of Ecosystems for Change, where I'll be talking with the innovators and changemakers tackling these kinds of complex issues, not just within their own communities, but for the world at large.Throughout this season, I'm going to introduce you to the Regional Innovation Engines Program, a program funded by the US National Science Foundation. In partnership with the Builder Platform I will highlight nine so-called Engines, and their place-based strategies to these wicked problems.To start us off, I sat down with three key players in the implementation of this nationwide program: Ben Downing, Patricia Grospiron, and Emily Knight.Ben Downing is Vice President of Public Affairs at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, Ben was Vice President for New Market Development at Nexamp, a veteran-founded, Boston-based clean energy company. Prior to this, Ben represented the state's largest Senate district while serving as State Senator for 52 communities in Western Massachusetts. Patricia Grospiron is the Executive Director of The Builder Platform, where she is responsible for leading the strategic direction to foster the development of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines. Patricia has several decades of experience in innovation ecosystem building thanks to her roles at Avery Dennison, JumpStart, Inc and Ohio Aerospace Institute. Emily Knight is the President of The Engine, where she is responsible for shaping the organization's strategic direction and building partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions to foster an environment where Tough Tech teams can thrive and innovate. Listen to the full episode to hear:How the NSF funding is acting as a catalyst for innovative, place-based economic development while tackling some of our thorniest problemsWhy the program is committed to innovation that supports communities from withinHow The Builder Platform developed a human-centered approach to engaging with the NSF Engines and providing ongoing partnership and supportHow The Engine's experience and history helps them collaborate with the regional EnginesWhy learning together, collaboration, and flexibility are key to developing in-place innovationLearn more about Ben Downing:Connect on LinkedInLearn more about Patricia Grospiron:Connect on LinkedInLearn more about Emily Knight:Connect on LinkedInLearn more about Anika Horn:Social VenturersSign up for Impact CuratorInstagram: @socialventurersResources:The EngineThe Builder PlatformInsisting on the Impossible: The Life of Edwin Land, Viktor K. McElhenyLean Launchpad, Steve BlankWatt It Takes with Emily KirschThe Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream, Steve Case

Brand reputation is fueling growth in B2B. In this episode of the Meaningful Media Podcast, host Ben Downing chats with Bre Rosetti and Tony Mattson about Havas' inaugural Meaningful Brands™ B2B Special Report. Gain insights from 1.7K B2B professionals and learn how “always-on” marketing and brand impact are shaping the future of B2B. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the Meaningful Media Podcast, we dive into Havas Media Network's recently released 2025 Media Imperatives report, a robust report rich with perspectives from consumers, media platforms, and brands.Capturing consumer attention is one of today's biggest challenges. With rising expectations and a new era of consumer agency, brands must balance AI with the human touch, push personalization without overstepping, and deliver seamless, privacy-first media experiences. It's a tricky dance—but the stakes have never been higher.With Havas Media Network experts Jamie Seltzer, Global EVP, CSA & Mx Analytics, Seema Patel, CPC, ELI-MP, Global Managing Director, Mx Intelligence, Joanna Lawrence, Global Chief Strategy Officer, and Jonathan Waite, Global Managing Director, Mx, host Ben Downing explores how brands and partners can turn insights from this report into action. Ready to make 2025 the year of meaningful media? Let's get started.

In the newest episode of the Meaningful Media Podcast, "Unwrapping The Future of Luxury E-Commerce," host Ben Downing "unwraps" how the world of high-end goods is evolving, examining luxury from two perspectives: its transformation across global and regional markets and the impact of digital marketplaces reshaping the industry.This special holiday episode brings together Havas experts Victoria Ducournau, Head of Havas Market España, and Cherry Collins, Strategy Partner at Havas Media Lux. Drawing from recent reports they've authored, they delve into luxury e-commerce trends, shifting buyer demographics, regional dynamics, leading luxury brands, and more.Get ready to rethink what luxury means—and where it's found. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sermon by Ben Downing. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard

Sermon by Ben Downing,Music played by Gini Downing. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard

On this special episode of The Meaningful Media Podcast, host Ben Downing is joined by Jamie Seltzer, Global EVP, CSA & Mx Analytics and Paul Bland, Chief Digital Officer, Havas Media Network London to explore the latest development in the cookie saga. Hot off of Google's recent decision to keep the third-party cookie, this episode explores the implications of this reversal for marketers, businesses, and the digital ad ecosystem. Jamie and Paul bring their expertise to the table, providing insights into the rationale behind Google's decision, the challenges faced in finding alternatives to third-party cookies, and strategies for leveraging first-party data and new identity resolution methods.

For our special Olympics series The Meaningful Media Podcast celebrates media experiences rolled out during one of the biggest upcoming fan events in the world, the Paris 2024 Olympics. Joining our host Ben Downing is Charles Bal, Managing Director at Havas Play France. Havas Play France is a highly awarded agency which successfully taps the power of fans' passions to enable brands to effectively connect with audiences. Our special guest for this meaningful conversation is Sophie Bonnier, Director of International Partnerships at French telecoms giant Orange. As a partner of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Orange ‘is powering, and is powered by, the Olympics'. Put simply. Without the Internet, there is no Olympics. Together Sophie, Charles and Ben unpack what partnering with the Olympics means for a brand and how agency and client work hand in hand to carve impactful media experiences during one of the biggest sporting moments in the world. Recorded in Paris, the amazing location for the 2024 Olympics, the discussion includes shining a spotlight on the double role of Orange for the Olympics as both a marketing partner and the technology provider powering connectivity for this entire event, including the opening ceremony set to take place outside on the Seine river in central Paris. A key focus for their conversation is the very special marketing moment at this Olympics called the ‘Marathon pour Tous' (Marthon for All) which Orange is sponsoring. For the first time in Olympic history, the public will have the opportunity to run the same route as the Olympians in two races of 42km and 10km. Both races are literally in the steps of the Olympic runners, and will take place at night on 10 August. “For Orange, as we are very close to innovation and we want to bring innovations to people - it was really natural for us to become a partner for this event which is a first for the Olympics,” explains Sophie. The marathon is about making people live the adventure of the Olympics as well as connecting people together. As a telecoms' operator, Orange connects people together making this also an analogy. Sophie, Charles and Ben delve into the strategy behind creating this high impact, meaningful marketing moment and explain how agency and client are collaborating in the run up to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. This is a fascinating, insightful, ‘behind the scenes' conversation which makes a fantastic listen. Enjoy!

In the first episode in our special 2024 Olympics' series, we cover what it takes to build a meaningful media experience in the specific context of one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. The Olympics is a common reference for nearly half of the planet's population – in 2020 it attracted a global audience of over 3 billion and is on schedule to bring in an even bigger audience in 2024. With the games taking place in Paris, who better to participate in our Olympic coverage than guests from Havas Play France, based in the City of Light.  In conversation with host Ben Downing, Augustin Penicaud, Vice President, Havas Play France, and Fabrice Plazolles, Chief Creative Officer, Havas Play France, dismantle the complex context in which incisive strategies are designed to create robust engagement and impactful brand campaigns for the 2024 Olympics.  The conversation kicks off with a dive into Rule 40, something that brands and athletes talk a lot about. Essentially the key principles in Rule 40 (from the International Olympic Committee's Olympic charter) set out how participants, including athletes participating in the Olympic Games, can engage in, and benefit from, commercial activities around the Games. It's aimed at finding the right balance between the interests of the IOC, their sponsors, and the athletes with their sponsors. Our host and guests then unpack the opportunities for media experience and marketing moments within this context. We're also reminded that ‘the Olympics in just a context. It's not the goal of the idea.' “You have to be smart in terms of media to be at the right place, at the right moment, in the right discussion, with the right communities. And that's what we do at Havas Play, because we are working on community planning and the way we touch these communities. And you have to be good in terms of creation because everyone is speaking at the same time,” underlines Fabrice as the discussion turns to crowded media moments, how to cut through the noise during the Olympics and how the agency leverages the Olympics to give food to the narrative of the brand. The above - and much more - in this fascinating conversation which gets to the heart of creating meaningful media experiences for enduring brand building and nurturing cultural change through communications during one of the world's most powerful sporting moments. A discussion not to be missed! Enjoy!

What does trusted, engaging and influential media look like for brands as the process towards the cookie-less era begins? Unpacking the deprecation of the third-party cookie Jamie Seltzer, Global EVP, CSA & Mx Analytics, Havas Media Network and Vishal Taneja, Global Data & Platforms Lead, Google join host Ben Downing to explore concrete solutions for brands in this evolving context and examine how to deliver impactful media activations. During their discussions, Ben and guests set the the situation today for third-party cookies and what this means for brands as they deal with their demise. As the industry moves away from a precision era to a predictive area.Our guests also dig deeper into the impact on media activation Together they explore the role of first part data and how brands can best optimise the first party data opportunity. “The post-cookie world is a journey and an exciting place to be. It's an opportunity and an impetus,” comments Ben. While AI is by no means new to this area, Jamie, Vishal and Ben take time to discuss its evolving role and what future tools we can expect to see in the post-cookie era. Concluding the conversation, ultimately, the following core value for agencies today will endure as we embark on the cookie-less era: “We make sure advertisers' dollars go as far as they can while still respecting consumer needs and their wants: it's results with respect. It's critical we continue to apply that approach in the cookie-less world,” underlined Jamie Seltzer. As the industry gets to grips with the evolving post-cookie landscape, this is a conversation not to be missed! Enjoy!

More than one year since the launch of ChatGPT, the media ecosystem is working to understand the concrete outcomes that integrating AI tools could provide for businesses.Emerging #AI tools hold the potential to improve the industry's understanding of media context and determine the best conditions for a brand to expose an ad.Specifically, AI media solutions for inclusive machine learning are supporting brand suitability, identifying content for brands to avoid – like fake news, disinformation, gender and racial bias.Unpacking the impact of these tools on media experience to ultimately drive value and growth for brands, AI heavy hitters Masaki Halle, Head of Data at Havas Media Network, Weilin Ho, Director at Havas Start Up Accelerator – located at Station F, Paris, the largest start up campus in the world - and Daphné Marnat, Co-Founder & CEO of Unbias-ia are in conversation with host Ben Downing.“What we are trying to improve is the risk parameter that brands should avoid....fake news, propaganda, climate change denial, gender or racial bias and disinformation. These categories are not taken care of in standard brand safety tools. We have to design innovative ways of detecting such content and this requires the use of AI,” underlines Masaki Halle. These AI solutions, suggests Daphné Marnat, are today's ‘Guardians of Integrity in the Online Galaxy'.Enjoy!The Meaningful Media Podcast Team

Sermon by Ben Downing,Music played by Gini Downing. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard

Opening Season 3 of The Meaningful Media Podcast, host Ben Downing sits down with Alex Hase, General Manager and Chief Revenue Officer at software-as-a-service solution provider Mirakl and Molly Hop, EVP Market, Havas Media Network to explore how businesses can deliver digital growth by getting the media experience right from all perspectives of ecommerce. Key themes in this meaningful conversation:The evolution of Retail Media“Retail media is not a new concept. Digital retail media is blossoming significantly but it's really about trying to engage consumers in that path to purchase so you can influence and/or expose them to things they might not otherwise have been exposed to. Whether brand or retailer you are either trying to complement the path to purchase the consumer is already on or you're trying to identify something that you think they might benefit from,” explains Alex Hase.Marketplaces & Opportunities for GrowthCustomers want to buy everything, anywhere, and have it delivered quickly. To do that retailers need to address that need. “For retailers, they are addressing this new world and how to combine it with in store experience, so they don't cannibalise their retail experience. For brands, they are asking how they can directly interact with their consumers and help them understand the full portfolio of goods available to them,” says Alex Hase. Marketplaces enable sellers to sell their products on a retailer's ecommerce site. Another opportunity is 'drop ship' where a retailer brings a brand on board to carry out the fulfilment of a specific product.Role of Agency for Brands Amazon has proven to retailers there's an opportunity to monetize your platform, and your first party data, ushering in a new business model which has driven retailers to expand how they bring in revenue. Support for brands to ensure they are getting the best value on this critical path is essential and a key role for agencies. Our guests discuss the value of first party data as a data targeting opportunity and a layer for consideration in the media experience.On Brands and Media investmentConsumers' ability to purchase and shop everywhere is changing the discussion around media plans for brands.“Retail media is a brand experience and in and of itself helps to build brands,” underlines host Ben Downing.New Ways to AdvertiseThe conversation turned to seismic shifts, like shoppable ads in connected TVs, carving out new ways to monetize media. Molly Hop shares: “Shopper marketing and in-store bricks and mortar are one of the first ways people were advertised to. Now we've had the shift and are able to reach anybody anywhere.” Social Commerce in ‘test and learn' phaseSocial commerce means expanding into a complex context but one which holds great opportunity. Molly cautions that understanding what consumers want in this context is crucial: “Social Commerce is a ‘big hairy beast' that we're all trying to navigate. There are a lot of wins, for example with TikTok, with advertisers being really smart about building a shopping experience that's organic to the environment it's in." Enjoy!

Sermon by Ben Downing,Music played by James Dorward. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard The post Contemplative Sunday appeared first on Liminal Church of Ventura.

People love podcasts! Listeners doubled in four years from over 200m in 2019 to more than 460m in June 2023, and global listeners are set to blow past half a billion by 2024*. As brands head into this audio space with its channel-specific challenges, they need effective support; to tackle brand safety; and to lock in listeners through meaningful audio media experiences. Trailblazer Dave Byrne, Director, Global Advertising Platform Integrity at Spotify and an expert in brand safety and brand suitability joins our host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Network to get to the heart of effective strategies for brands to create meaningful audio moments which connect, in the right audio context, to engage with listeners. Key challenges in the audio brand safety arena discussed during the conversation include: tone of voice, ‘Is somebody saying something as a joke or are they saying something as a legitimate, harmful thing? The evolution of language, an innocuous term today could be a term used to spread misinformation next week; and the nuances of language from one country to the next, with different meanings for the same term or word.Dave and Ben delved deep into the entire media experience: “As much as we talk about content and brand safety, where we've had to focus on in audio is more about the context versus content,” said Dave. Some advertisers have negative keyword lists which don't reflect the broader context of what is being said, rather than focusing on individual keywords or individual pieces of content within the media.“The concept of brand safety, or sometimes we use the term brand suitability, has become so central. This idea of media experience, because it's not only about content, it's about the context and the connection the audience has from those two things. The connections forged by that context and content,” added Ben.Bubbling to the service was the notion that brand suitability and effectiveness are often the same conversation. "I have seen multiple, multiple times that when brands get brand suitability right engagement metrics soon follow,” underlined Dave.On reach Dave added: “Just because you've got a million eyes looking at your ad doesn't mean you're appearing in the right environment, that those million ads, a million eyes are going to make an action, are going to change things. There's definitely something to be said about bringing it sometimes back to basics of what is good media to buy. I can't tell you how many times in audio medium people are “Oh, we want to be here on this playlist". We ask what kind of audience do you want to capture? And actually that audience is in all these other places. It's about not sacrificing revenue, profitability, engagement for the sake of other metrics that may be assigned.”For all marketers involved in, or heading into, the burgeoning audio space this is a conversation not to be missed! Enjoy! * Source: DemandSage Useful inksGARMSpotify Advertising

Toby Hendy, Matthew Schuchman and Julian O'Shea face questions about celebrity stars, film foul-ups and security systems. LATERAL is a comedy panel game podcast about weird questions with wonderful answers, hosted by Tom Scott. For business enquiries, contestant appearances or question submissions, visit https://www.lateralcast.com. HOST: Tom Scott. QUESTION PRODUCER: David Bodycombe. RECORDED AT: The Podcast Studios, Dublin. EDITED BY: Julie Hassett. MUSIC: Karl-Ola Kjellholm ('Private Detective'/'Agrumes', courtesy of epidemicsound.com). ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS: Caitlin, Ben Downing, Matthew Schuchman, Zaki Muhammad, Patrick Lind. FORMAT: Pad 26 Limited/Labyrinth Games Ltd. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: David Bodycombe and Tom Scott. © Pad 26 Limited (https://www.pad26.com) / Labyrinth Games Ltd. 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There are exciting shifts in B2B marketing which is going through a renaissance right now,” underlines Melissa Furze, Vice President, Customer Science and B2B Institute, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, during this fascinating conversation with podcast host Ben Downing as together they examine the shape of meaningful media experiences in the evolving B2B advertising space. With over 65 million companies on their platform, LinkedIn “sits at a pretty unique space when it comes to understanding what's happening in the professional world”, explains Melissa who leads a multi-disciplined team which includes marketing strategists, researchers, content solutions, engineers, and analysts. While there are differences in terms of B2C and B2B marketing, notably that B2B buying decisions involve high consideration purchases with typically longer sales cycles and often larger buying committees compared to the individual consumer's buying decision, during this episode we learn there is definitely a shift towards more emotional, human-centered and ‘story full' advertising in B2B. At LinkedIn, for example, they have new ad formats called Thought Leader Ads where brands have the opportunity to tell their stories through the voices of employees and their experiences by sponsoring a post from individual employees and executives. B2B advertising is seeing a shift around creativity. Recent research from LinkedIn found 50% of B2B marketing leaders say creativity is their biggest priority. While B2B marketers are understanding the importance of storytelling. In their recent B2B marketing benchmark report LinkedIn found that “43% of B2B marketing leaders actually say that storytelling will be one of the most important future skills for their marketing team.” Press play on this episode to learn how CMOs and their marketing teams are building impactful media experiences in the B2B advertising space to connect and build meaningful emotional connections. Useful inksFurther information on the LinkedIn CMO Scorecard mentioned in the episode: https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/b2b-institute/cmo-scorecardLinkedIn Collective: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/linkedin-collective/Good News Network cited by Melissa during her Fast Five: GoodNewsNetwork.org  Enjoy! ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com.    Like, share, subscribe and connect with us on our socials!  ⭐ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havasmedianetwork/  ⭐ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fan communities – from gaming and sports to music and festivals – offer unprecedented opportunities for brands to plug into the power of passion – the lifeblood of fandoms. In this dynamic episode, host Ben Downing sat down with special guests Twitch streamer Vanessa Lopez and Kevin Paskins, Pan EMEA Sales Director, Twitch to explore how creatorsand fans interact to build communities, and how to create unique media experiences on live-streaming platform Twitch. Providing valuable guidance for brands, this conversation delves into how creators, brands and platforms coalesce to build meaningful relationships with fandoms. “That's the great thing about Twitch, it's like watching TV but talking to each other. Like watching a movie with a friend, you're talking about the movie with the friend in real time,” says Vanessareferring to the social interaction and the live conversations with her community, conversations which pour into real life moments too. “Fandom is about entertainment,” underlines Kevin who shares that, on average, there are 7.6 fandoms per person, citing Twitch's recent Anatomy of Hype report, with ‘happiness' and ‘connection' key drivers. This episode is one of a series recorded during the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity at the Havas Café. Have a listen to our other episodes too: The Newsroom: Disrupted and Social Shopping & The Era of Creative Commerce! Enjoy! We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com.Reach out on our socials: LinkedIn and Instagram.Executive Producer: Lindsey Partos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode in our new The Meaningful Media Leader series, Sarah Mansfield, Vice-President Global Media, Unilever & Vice-President, Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA) discusses her professional journey in media, shares vital perspectives on the media industry today and outlines valuable insights for the road ahead with our host Ben Downing. From the benefits and ‘watch-outs' of generative AI to driving transparency in cross-media measurement through a collective initiative at ISBA, this broad conversation between Sarah and Ben strikes at the heart ofexplores key areas impacting the media ecosystem, the leadership role of ISBA as one single voice representing advertisers in the UK and delves into the path forward for the industry. “If we work together as an industry we can solve big problems…How we collectively solve big hairy challenges is a partnership with stakeholders; we are better solving them as a collective,” says Sarah during her discussion with Ben. Enjoy the episode and do keep an ear out for future episodes with further media luminaries in this thought-provoking series! We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Reach out on our socials: LinkedIn and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between constrained advertising models and dwindling consumer attention, the media landscape continues to experience disruption compounded by the evolution of new storytelling formats to engage audiences and expand coverage areas. In the second installment of our three-part series of episodes recorded at the Havas Café during the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, host Ben Downing sat down with news and media heavy hitters Ros Atkins, Analysis Editor, BBC News; Carmella Boykin, TikTok producer, The Washington Post; and Joi-Marie McKenzie, Editor-in-Chief, Life division, Business Insider to get an inside look into the world's newsrooms and to discuss their take on the highs and lows of media experiences today. Topics covered during this riveting conversation include: the primordial role of storytelling and why voice remains critical; building trust with readers and the deep value of meaningful engagement; why and how journalists' own branding helps people to connect to storytelling; the potency of facts as the star of the show; the pivotal part played by production teams to build work that connects; and the advent of ‘bad faith' checks to closely examine content which could be taken out of context. “The reality is our focus in on good storytelling. Worrying about algorithms is almost secondary,” said Joi-Marie McKenzie, Editor-in-Chief, Life division, Business Insider, during the conversation.Enjoy!We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Reach out on our socials: LinkedIn and Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valued at USD584.91billion in 2021, social commerce is enjoying seismic growth and presenting the fastest growing e-commerce opportunity for brands today. Fundamental to this growth are creators, who provide the right content, in the right context to connect with the right shoppers. But what are the key ingredients to creating engaging, meaningful media experiences? How can brands and creators work hand in hand to build meaningful shopping experiences and successful customer journeys? How can social commerce unlock incremental revenue for brands?In the first installment of our three-part series of episodes recorded at the Havas Café during the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, host Ben Downing is joined by Sandie Hawkins, General Manager of US eCommerce at TikTok, and Hina, a TikTok creator with 1.7 million followers, to address these questions and explore how brands can meaningfully engage with TikTok creators to build trust with their target audiences and connect them with products that they'll love.“Creators are brands in and of themselves,” shares Hina during the conversation. “If I'm lending you my brand, I want to speak in my voice, not your voice. I want to speak about your product, in my voice.” Enjoy!We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com.Reach out on our socials: LinkedIn and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Havas Media Network took the podcast out of the studio to the DigiAds stage at London's MAD//fest event in July 2023 to record an episode before a live audience.Connecting the festival's theme of “riders of the storm” the macro reality facing consumers, brands and citizens with the need for and consumer desire for ‘responsible advertising” we brought together leading industry voices Jake Dubbins, Founder, Conscious Advertising Network, Hannah Mirza, Founder of The Responsible Marketing Agency and Laura Wade, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy, EssenceMediaCom, with host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Network, to discuss what responsible advertising is and why it matters now more than ever.“We need to recognize our influence and recognize our role in what is happening out there,” underlined Jake Dubbins, citing recent communications from the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which stated we are facing a rapidly closing window to secure a sustainable future for all. In light of the global climate and social crises, and from monetized misinformation to rising distrust of media titles, the advertising industry needs to drive and shape a future-facing agenda to build a path forward, carefully examining investment choices and supporting a pluralistic media with diverse voices, heard MAD//fest's audience. We invite you to listen to this meaningful conversation.We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com.Reach out to us on our socials: LinkedIn and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emerging media platforms with highly-engaged DEI communities are providing new opportunities for brands to create campaigns – meaningful media experiences - which engage effectively with DEI audiences.In this episode, host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media and Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Network and co-host Olivia Dotzek, Strategy Director, Havas Media Network sit down with Robyn Exton, the founder of HER, the world's largest dating and community app for queer women, nonbinary, trans and gender non-conforming people and home to 12 million people around the world, and Amy Still, co-founder, Whisk, which monitors the ‘rising stars' in emerging media.Together Ben, Olivia, Robyn and Amy discuss a raft of issues from how HER is creating meaningful media experiences for brands and what showing up in an authentic way looks like for a brand to details on how HER collaborates with brands and the impact of engaging insights from HER early in the strategy development process lead to success.Research published by Simpson Carpenter (2019) revealed that 31% of the LGBTQ population felt that the ad industry was portraying them badly and 40% of the general population believed advertising was failing to portray different gender identities properly. This year showing solidarity during Pride, and beyond, is more important than ever, underline our guests. From a media perspective, this means ensuring that inclusive values are reflected in where brands invest - ensuring support for minority-owned media platforms and publishers, that are a meaningful source of community and representation for their audiences, and being highly conscious of not inadvertently funding misinformation or anti-inclusive content.We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com and reach out on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now in its 15th year, Havas' trailblazing research of brand value explores how brands tangibly improve peoples' lives functionally, enhance their personal well-being, and contribute to wider society. Findings from the latest edition of our Meaningful Brands™ report demonstrate that while brands' actions to drive societal progress, inclusion and sustainable behaviors have become more important and expected, people are examining everything through the lens of “me” in the face of more challenging and uncertain times.Meet the “Me-conomy”! In the “Me-conomy”, brands need to act decisively to drive social change and progress, but they're also expected to provide everyday joy, support mental wellbeing, make their lives easier, offer affordable indulgences and more.How can we apply these key fresh findings to the meaningful media experience? What does ‘the ‘Me-economy' mean for brands? How does the data reveal the approaches brands must make to be meaningful today? Sitting down with our host Ben Downing are the masterminds with their teams of the latest Meaningful Brands™ report, Seema Patel, Global Managing Director, Mx Intelligence, Havas Media Group and Mark Sinnock, Global Chief Strategy, Data & Innovation Officer, Havas Creative. Together they unpack this exciting new study in a passionate, insight conversation, providing actionable steps for brands to make purpose, personal.Enjoy! Visit https://www.meaningful-brands.com/ for more insights from our latest Meaningful Brands™ report.We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com and reach out on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special and fascinating panel audience episode, host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group and audience panel co-host, Courtney Cherry, Global Chief of Staff, Havas Media Group talk with citizen consumers Cindy Harper, Barbara Lofts, and Charlie Straadecker about the media that matters to them, the role of media in their daily lives, and just how they feel when advertising shows up.What makes this episode extra special? Our panel is made up of two guests over the age of seventy and one guest over eighty years old – an audience little heard from in our youth-centric society.And yet these consumers pack a purchasing punch! In the US alone, the Silent Generation (born 1945 and earlier) and the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) own 70% of household wealth.​​From YouTube to Whatsapp, streaming TV to Wordle, this fantastic conversation sheds light on a 70 plus audience for whom media plays a central role in their daily lives and unpacks how they wish brands showed up to engage them in advertising. We know you will enjoy this episode - and expect to be surprised!

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to have huge implications for meaningful media and meaningful media experiences. In this timely episode host Ben Downing sits down with his guests Nate V. Rackiewicz, Chief Data Officer, Reset Digital and Umbar Shakir, Partner, Gate One, digital artist and photographer, to unpack what the buzz about AI really means for media experience and the opportunities for brand building. We explore how ChatGPT is the tip of a Generative AI Iceberg, we unpack large language models, image models, AI Art and creation and look at the opportunities and risk. Why the recent advances matter and what this means for marketing leaders and Media Experience.And we have a special surprise! Is that really Ben speaking? Or co-host AI Ben? :)Enjoy!#MeaningfulMedia #AI #HavasProud Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sermon by Ben Downing, Music by James Dorward. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard The post Deeper Roots appeared first on Liminal Church of Ventura.

Sermon by Ben Downing, Music by James Dorward. Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard The post Deeper Roots appeared first on Liminal Church of Ventura.

Slowing global ad spend forecasts, geopolitical instability, a cost-of-living crisis, the continued impact of climate change and more loom large as brands and agencies plan for 2023 and beyond. For the final episode of Season 1, The Meaningful Media Podcast brought together a panel of visionary CEOs to share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing brand marketers and agencies in the year ahead. Tom Denford, CEO, ID Comms Group, Peter Mears, Global CEO, Havas Media Group and Chairman of Havas Group's North America Village and Donna Murphy, Global CEO, Havas Creative & Havas Health & You join host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group to explore brand resiliency, client and agency-side transformation, the future of meaningful brands and much more. A conversation not to be missed!Enjoy! Happy Holidays to one and all!

Creating a media ecosystem that is diverse and inclusive makes strategic sense for all stakeholders, nurturing meaningful media experiences to effectively engage people. Yet there is historic under investment in the industry in Black and Minority-owned businesses. According to a report from Google, in the UK start-up founders do not have equal access to funding. In 2020, less than 0.25% of venture capital funding went to Black-led startups in the UK and only 38 Black founders received venture capital funding in the last 10 years. In the US, it's the same picture. Start-ups with at least one Black founder received 1.9% of deal counts and 1.2% of overall venture dollars invested in the U.S. so far this year, report Crunchbase. “The rising tide lifts all the boats,” says Gerald Appau-Bonsu, founder of Havas Boost, who joins host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group in the studio to share how his lived experience was the genesis for Havas Boost, a new program supporting businesses from under-represented communities. This passionate conversation explores the role of Havas Boost to help provide investment and meaningful support to emerging media start-ups to bring about effective change to the media ecosystem. Check out creative hub Making Numbers, Transleee's Social Currency album and Guap magazine cited by Gerald in his conversation with Ben. ENJOY!

CALLING ALL BRANDS eager to engage with one of the busiest cohorts on the planet - MOTHERS – this blisteringly good episode is for you!! What media matters to mothers? How and WHERE should brands show up to engage with this attention-scarce cohort? What media will they pay for? Which media do their Gen Alpha and Gen Z children love? All this and much more in the latest episode of our special series which dives into the media that matters for citizen consumers. For this episode, we were delighted to welcome co-host Courtney Cherry, Global Chief of Staff, Havas Media Group who joined Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group in a fascinating and animated discussion on meaningful media with our panel – from the temptation of social commerce to the power of audio. Connect to the conversation now! Enjoy!

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are at the ‘unfolding edge of digital culture', shares our special guest Nicolas Roope, co-founder & creative director, PLINFT in this latest episode. However, it's a roller-coaster ride for the NFTs marketplace. After staggering speculative interest in 2021 where sales hit US$25bn, in the 2022 third quarter NFT sales fell sharply to US$3.4bn, down from US$8.4bn the previous quarter and $12.5bn at the market's peak in early 2021, finds blockchain tracker DappRada. In parallel to this speculative context, NFTs are ushering in new concepts for media experiences to connect brands to people. Brands today are feeling their way in this emerging, ‘test & learn' space, dipping their collective toes in the ‘digital waters' to explore how to leverage tokens to make a meaningful connection. Helping to understand the nascent opportunities for brands and to provide some clear definitions – from ‘What are NFTs?' and ‘What is minting?' to importantly, ‘What is Web 3?' host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group talks with Nicolas Roope from PLINFT. Seeking to build a creator-driven NFT community PLINFT most recently used Times Square's digital billboard as a ‘portal to take the NFT world to the mainstream', using a fractionalized advertising model which allowed individual NFT owners to ‘get their moment' on the screen. Nicolas is also the co-founder of Poke, Plumen, and the Lovie awards. “The smart strategy for brands,” says Nicolas, “is to do something, but not pretend it's more significant than it actually is or to be too deterministic about what you think the value will be.” During the conversation, Nicolas references the Adidas POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) activation, you can find details on the POAP here. Enjoy this NFT special episode!   

24/7 news cascades into people's daily lives, pouring onto all the platforms they engage with, from websites to social media, TV to radio. Not only are people struggling to get through the sheer torrent of around-the-clock content, but they are also questioning whether they can TRUST what they listen to, read, and watch. Arriving to counterbalance this rising distrust are new media titles. These media are reshaping the news format to inject ‘meaningful' and win back trust. They are evolving the definition of news; forging new content categories and placing slow very much front and center. They are daring to take the time to dig deep behind the headlines, to engage distrustful populations, and to exemplify media that matters. In this dynamic conversation host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, and special guest Liz Moseley, Partner and Members' Editor at UK-based news media Tortoise, and former CMO, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, explore subjects at the heart of slow media, from its role in winning back trust from consumers to emerging business models unlocking new opportunities for brands. And for you - our fantastic listeners – Liz has a very special offer for you!! Use Liz50 code to join Tortoise for half price! Enjoy! ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com.    Like, share, subscribe, and connect with us on our socials!    ⭐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/    ⭐ Instagram: havas_media_group    ⭐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media    ⭐ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We have a choice. Collective action or collective suicide. It is in our hands,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told leaders of 40 nations at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in July 2022. As we come to the end of one of the hottest summers on record - dominated by apocalyptic heat headlines – the need for ‘collective action' to fight climate change has never seemed more urgent. Contributing to this action is the need for agencies and advertisers to effectively tackle the thorny issue of misinformation, disinformation and greenwashing. Practices which collectively feed the amplification of false narratives around climate change among people. In this timely conversation between Christine Arena, founder & CEO of social impact production company Generous Films and former Executive Vice President at Edelman and Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, Christine underlines that now is the time for agencies and advertisers to come together to make the commitment to do better – to collectively acknowledge how serious the problem is and rapidly put an action plan in place. Calling for brands to enter an era of candour and radical truth-telling, Christine drills the conversation down to one notion: How can brands help people – under the current circumstances – lead a better life? Christine is an expert on climate disinformation and greenwashing and her early research investigated the line between true and false corporate sustainability. She authored some of the first books on the subject, including the award-winning ‘The High-Purpose Company'. Christine is also one of Forbes' ‘43 People Changing Advertising For The Climate'. From definitions of ‘astroturfing' and ‘disinformation' to strategies for the industry to tackle distorted climate communications, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Ben Downing, global managing director of ethical media strategic partnerships at Havas Media Group, discusses the latest Havas Meaningful Brands report, and how companies can help consumers struggling with the global impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Marian Berelowitz, US senior editor at Stylus, also joins us to talk about the current state of diversity and inclusion in advertising and media.

We end each Meaningful Media podcast episode by asking our guests about the media which matters to them: five quick-fire questions which we call the Meaningful Media Fast Five. For our Summer Special episode, host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, headed out of the studio to ask industry stakeholders their ‘Meaningful Media Fast Five.' Recorded during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2022, we hear from adland industry voices about their media faves. While media ranged from Pinterest and Plex to Apple News and Audible, we found that audio and news content constantly bubbled to the surface in many of the responses. Fascinated by this, we dug around for some juicy insights as to why audio and news feature so prominently in people's meaningful media. We're delighted to share these nuggets with you throughout the episode! Enjoy! Big thanks to our contributors: Remy Bigot, Blvck Paris Charles Cantu, Founder, Reset Digital Anne Coghlan, Scope 3 Mike Follett, Lumen Research Mandy Fowler, Universal Music Group for Brands Sarah Mansfield, Unilever David Robertson, Universal Music Group for Brands Links to reports cited by Ben: Digital News Report 2022, Reuters Institute for Journalism https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2022 Entertainment, GWI https://www.gwi.com/reports/entertainment Listen, like, subscribe, and share! Connect with us on our socials! ⭐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media ⭐ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup ⭐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ ⭐ Instagram: havas_media_group ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

☀️ Cannes Lions ‘In Real Life' returned in 2022!! And The Meaningful Media Podcast headed to La Croisette to talk about meaningful media experiences and the media that matters! Recorded to a live audience at the gorgeous and sustainable #HavasCafe, this is the third of three special Cannes episodes of The Meaningful Media Podcast. From reporting on climate change to fighting disinformation, a key element of the sustainable media ecosystem is promoting high-quality media and journalism. With the ongoing crisis in Ukraine making accurate and timely media a global imperative, journalism is at an inflection point and “democracy dies in darkness” conversations are ever-present. Tune in to listen to this exploratory conversation between host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group and special guests Jesse Angelo, President of Global News & Entertainment, Vice Media Group, David Buttle, Global Director, Policy, Platforms & Commercial Marketing, Financial Times and Sasha Vakulina, Business Editor, Euronews as together they examine the challenges of safeguarding ethical journalism in an era of hyperpolarization, and the role advertising plays supporting ethical media. Listen, like, subscribe and share! #meaningfulmedia #TheMeaningfulMediaPodcast #CannesLions2022 #HavasCafe ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Connect with us on our socials! ⭐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ ⭐ Instagram: havas_media_group ⭐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media ⭐ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

☀️ Cannes Lions ‘In Real Life' returned in 2022!! And The Meaningful Media Podcast headed to La Croisette to talk about meaningful media experiences and the media that matters! Recorded to a live audience at the beautiful and sustainable #HavasCafe, this is the second of three special Cannes episodes. Tune in to this vibrant and insightful conversation between host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, Olivier Robert-Murphy, Executive Vice President, Universal Music Group for Brands and Jean-François Pathy, Marketing Director, FIFA. With 94% of sports fans passionate about music, the union of music and sports makes for a turbo-charged, powerful combination to engage fans. Is this the ultimate meaningful experience for fans? With the live unscripted element critical for both music and sports, where does technology slot in to elevate the live experience for fans? What will hybrid experiences look like - or should look like - in this emerging space? Join Ben, Olivier and Jean-François as together they explore the convergence of music, sports & entertainment in today's – and tomorrow's – world. Listen, like, subscribe, share! #meaningfulmedia #TheMeaningfulMediaPodcast #CannesLions2022 #HavasCafe ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Connect with us on our socials! ⭐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ ⭐ Instagram: havas_media_group ⭐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media ⭐ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

☀️ Cannes Lions ‘In Real Life' is back!! And The Meaningful Media Podcast headed to La Croisette to talk about meaningful media experiences and the media that matters! This episode is the first of three special Cannes recordings of The Meaningful Media Podcast to a live audience at the beautiful #HavasCafe! Tune in to listen to the fantastic conversation between host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, and special guests Kahlil Greene, TikTok's Gen Z historian & Krystle Watler, TikTok's Head of Creative Agency Partnerships, North America. Together they explore the question ‘How can we create a media ecosystem that is vibrant, diverse, and inclusive?' and delve into the role of brands & agencies to shape positive change, from the economics of the creator economy to supporting community voices. Kahlil quotes Maya Angelou during the conversation. “Do the best you can, until you know better, then when you know better, do better.” Is this the overarching theme of our episode's thoughtful, fascinating and insightful conversation? We leave you to listen and decide! #meaningfulmedia #TheMeaningfulMediaPodcast ⭐ We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media. Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com. Connect with us on our socials! ⭐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ ⭐ Instagram: havas_media_group ⭐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media ⭐ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

CALLING ALL BRANDS eager to enter the gaming space – this blisteringly good episode is for you!! Is gaming THE most meaningful media today? How should brands turn up? How should brands even think about success in this space? All this and much more in our latest episode! Join host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group and special guests Alexandra Etzine, Business Director, Havas Entertainment & Alexandre Tan, SVP Brand Partnerships & Advertising, Gameloft as together they explore how brands can engage in gaming, a space valued at US$197bn in 2022, the second biggest entertainment market behind TV, and expected to hit a massive US$268bn in 2025! Checking into the pulse of gamers today, the episode also features first-hand testimonials from gamers all over the world as we ask them a range of questions including: ‘What is your ideal gaming moment?' and ‘How do you feel about brands entering your gaming space?' Listen to their feedback!

The Meaningful Media podcast is the brand new show from Havas Media Group. In each episode host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director for Ethical Media and Strategic Partnerships at Havas Media talks to a range of guests – from brand marketers and agency voices to academics, policy-makers, and consumers - about meaningful media, the media that matters to them and to us. Season One promises to be juicy with plenty of lively conversations. Topics on the table include The Attention Economy, Tech-fuelled media experiences, Future of TV, and the rise of social-selling sweet spots for media experiences. We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media! Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com Reach out on our socials: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media Twitter @HavasMediaGroup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

What IS a brand's purpose? Does Meaningful Media matter for their purpose? Do consumers even care? Join your host Ben Downing and special guest Lizzie Nolan, Executive Vice President, Managing Director, Strategy & Insights, Havas Media Group, as they tackle purpose, nail down a robust definition, and underline the power behind being a ‘values-driven & driving value brand. And don't miss Lizzie's Meaningful Media Fast Five! She's a big fan of Goggle Box, watching The Great Pottery Throwdown with her family and listening to inspirational podcasts while running with her dog Zuki!

From consumers, agencies and brands, to governments, activist investors and employees ethical behaviour in the ad industry is scrutinized today more than ever before. The risks of inaction are growing…while the premium associated with doing ethics has increased. At Havas we are proud to be the first agency to offer the Institute for Advertising Ethics' (IAE) Certified Ethical Advertising Executive (CEAE) course to staff and clients globally at no cost. We are embedding an ethics framework that runs through our organization and instilling a culture of ethics via training and talent engagement. The IAE is the only independent body addressing the urgent and complex issues of ethical standards and practices across all aspects of advertising communications. In this episode your host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, and his special guest Andrew Susman, COO, IAE get to the heart of why ethics matter today - more than ever before - and discuss clear, actionable steps industry stakeholders can take to embed ethical behaviour. And don't miss Andrew's Meaningful Media Fast Five! From Mixcloud to doom-scrolling! Enjoy! Drop us a line: podcast@havasmg.com and connect with us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the metaverse is the world of the imagination - powered by technology - where and how can brands show up in a meaningful way? In this episode join your host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, and his special guest Sarah Ivey, Chief Strategy Officer, North America, Havas Media Group, as they delve into tech-fueled media experiences and the challenges and opportunities facing brands as they seek to meaningfully engage consumers in the tech space. And don't miss Sarah's Meaningful Media Fast Five – which includes Quartz news, the National Hockey League, and a morning visit to TikTok to watch the sunrise over Canada's Lake Superior! What are YOUR meaningful media? Drop us a line: podcast@havasmg.com and connect with us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We're not just creating an attention economy, but an attention ecology,” states Jon Waite, Global Head of Media Experience Activation, Havas Media Group, in this episode dedicated to the Attention Economy.Join your host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director, Ethical Media & Strategic Partnerships, Havas Media Group, and his special guest Jon Waite as together they explore the what, the how, and the why of measuring attention - and crucially, how meaningful media experiences drive attention.And what are Jon's Meaningful Media? From relaxing with Netflix' ‘Below The Deck' series to getting inspired with ‘99% Invisible' podcast, listen to find out more!We'd love to hear your thoughts about the Attention Economy and meaningful media in general!Drop us a line: podcast@havasmg.com and connect on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-mediaTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes media meaningful? Why does it matter?In this first episode of The Meaningful Media podcast, your host Ben Downing, Global Managing Director for Ethical Media and Strategic Partnerships at Havas Media, and his special guest - Greg James, Global Chief Transformation Officer, Havas Media Group – unpack why media has never mattered more – to consumers, to brands, to all of us.Don't miss Greg's Meaningful Media Fast Five - from guilty pleasures like Vera and Real Housewives to inspirational media, like the Pivot podcast.And you'll find lots more insights on ‘meaningfulness' - for brands and wider society - in our massive Meaningful Brands study. Visit https://www.meaningful-brands.com.We'd love to hear your thoughts about meaningful media.Drop us a line! podcast@havasmg.com and reach out on our socials:Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaGroup/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/havas-media/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/HavasMediaGroup Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holyoke Media, en asociación con WHMP radio, emiten diariamente la Síntesis informativa en español a través del 101.5 FM y en el 1240 / 1400 AM. Esta es la síntesis informativa del viernes 21 de enero de 2022: - La procuradora general Maura Healey anunció el jueves que se postula para gobernadora, uniéndose a un grupo creciente de políticos de Massachusetts que esperan suceder al gobernador Charlie Baker. En un video de campaña publicado en su sitio web, Healey dijo que ve un estado que se une con coraje, valor y cariño para hacer grandes cosas. Entre los temas de la campaña que mencionó en el video se encuentran la capacitación laboral, el cuidado infantil asequible, la modernización de las escuelas y el cambio climático. Muchos observadores políticos consideran a Healey como la primera favorita para las elecciones de noviembre de 2022, porque es la única candidata en la contienda que ganó una elección estatal. La demócrata de 50 años se ha desempeñado como fiscal general desde 2015. Otros dos demócratas destacados también se postulan para gobernador: la senadora estatal Sonia Chang-Díaz y la profesora de Harvard Danielle Allen. El ex senador estatal Ben Downing, otro demócrata, finalizó su campaña en diciembre. Del lado republicano, el exrepresentante estatal Geoff Diehl es el candidato más conocido que busca la nominación republicana para gobernador. Chris Doughty, inversor y socio de Capstan Industries, también ha sido mencionado como posible candidato republicano. Baker, uno de los gobernadores más populares del país, sacudió la contienda a principios de diciembre cuando el republicano anunció que no buscaría un tercer mandato. La vicegobernadora Karyn Polito, considerada durante mucho tiempo la heredera potencial de Baker, también decidió no buscar la reelección ni postularse para gobernadora. Healey ganó atención nacional como fiscal general al demandar repetidamente a la administración del expresidente Donald Trump. Ella inició o se unió a más de 100 demandas, desafiando a la administración anterior en todo, desde la política de separación de familias de Trump, hasta la aplicación laxa de las protecciones ambientales y la falta de protección de los prestamistas estudiantiles contra el fraude. Los observadores políticos dijeron que una administración de Healey probablemente llevaría al estado en una dirección decididamente progresista. FUENTE: WBUR - El presidente Joe Biden inició su segundo año en el cargo el jueves con un nuevo enfoque en hacer que los estadounidenses fatigados crean que están mejor bajo su liderazgo mientras adopta una agenda reducida antes de las elecciones de mitad de período. La persistencia del coronavirus, el aumento de la inflación y el estancamiento del Congreso han cobrado un precio amargo en el índice de aprobación de Biden y amenazan con una derrota a mitad de período para su partido, pero el presidente no ve la necesidad de un cambio importante de dirección. En cambio, Biden les dijo a los miembros del Comité Nacional Demócrata durante un evento virtual el jueves que, en general, los demócratas tienen que ofrecer un contraste más claro con los republicanos en el futuro. Dijo que el contraste que espera pintar es entre la agenda de los demócratas y la falta de ella en el Partido Republicano, que dijo que estaba “totalmente controlado por un hombre, que se enfoca en volver a litigar el pasado”, una referencia velada al expresidente Donald Trump y sus continuas afirmaciones falsas de que ganó las elecciones de 2020. “Esa es la elección que tenemos que presentar ante los votantes: entre los planes que tenemos para mejorar la vida del pueblo estadounidense y ningún plan, ninguno en absoluto”, dijo Biden. FUENTE: AP

The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community. Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Our lede story is that former state Senator Ben Downing, a Democrat who had announced he would run for governor next year, has called it quits: https://theberkshireedge.com/with-gubernatorial-campaign-running-low-on-funds-former-berkshires-state-senator-calls-it-quits/ 2. A worker co-op in Pittsfield, Rose & Cole's Transport, aims to provide transportation for the city's poorest neighborhoods in order to provide the city's poorest residents in the poorest and largely neglected neighborhoods a way of getting to work:https://theberkshireedge.com/rose-coles-transport-co-op-aims-to-drive-change-in-pittsfield/ 3. Our writer David Edwards interviews set designer Carl Sprague of Stockbridge about his work on the new Wes Anderson film, “The French Dispatch”: https://theberkshireedge.com/set-designer-carl-sprague-discusses-his-work-on-wes-andersons-the-french-dispatch/ 4. And now for an unusual holiday favorite: Gary Leveille's satirical “holiday house tour”: https://theberkshireedge.com/gary-leveille-sixth-annual-satirical-holiday-house-tour/ 5. So here's a holiday uplift. Two residents of the village of Housatonic are on a campaign to bring holiday cheer to the village, all in memory of the beloved Deb Koffman, whose gallery and support oof emerging artists is legendary in South Berkshire County:https://theberkshireedge.com/light-it-up-for-deb-koffman-illuminates-housatonic/ 6. Young local artists now have anew venue in Lee, the Off-Of-It Gallery, where customers can find intriguing collectibles — all run by a young entrepreneur:https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-off-of-it-gallery-for-modern-art-and-collectibles/ 7. Finally, part 1 of a two-part series on financial New Year's resolutions that will really work: https://theberkshireedge.com/personal-business-financial-resolutions-that-really-work-part-1/

Downing said his campaign was too strapped for cash to continue. His campaign account had been rapidly losing money since the summer. WBZ's Carl Stevens has more:

This week's announcement by Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA) that he won't see a third term threw Massachusetts politics into a state of upheaval. On the Democratic side, current candidates Ben Downing, Danielle Allen, and Sonia Chang-Diaz now face a bevy of prospective new rivals, including former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and former Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George — which creates new pressure on another potential Democratic candidate, Attorney General Maura Healey, to finally make up her mind. On the Republican side, former state Rep Geoff Diehl could get company soon too, though the Mass GOP's allegiance to former President Trump and Trumpism seems deeper than ever. In the first episode of GBH News' Talking Politics, Political Reporter Adam Reilly unpacks it all with GBH State House Reporter Mike Deehan, Bay State Banner Senior Editor Yawu Miller, and Boston Globe Columnist Joan Vennochi.

Holyoke Media, en asociación con WHMP radio, emiten diariamente la Síntesis informativa en español a través del 101.5 FM y en el 1240 / 1400 AM. Esta es la síntesis informativa del jueves 2 de diciembre de 2021: - El gobernador de Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, anunció el miércoles que no buscará un tercer mandato, creando una competencia abierta para gobernador el próximo año. En un comunicado, Baker dijo que fue una decisión difícil. Pero él y la vicegobernadora Karyn Polito han decidido no buscar la reelección. Baker, de 65 años, un republicano popular, dijo que cree que él y Polito pueden dirigir mejor el estado durante el próximo año sin la distracción de una campaña de reelección. "El próximo año debe ser sobre recuperación, no sobre política", dijo. Por otra parte tres demócratas también han anunciado planes para postularse para gobernador: la senadora estatal Sonia Chang-Díaz, la profesora de Harvard Danielle Allen y el ex-senador estatal Ben Downing. Otra destacada funcionaria electa demócrata, la procuradora general Maura Healey, aún no ha anunciado si participará en la contienda. Healey emitió un comunicado el miércoles agradeciendo a Baker por su servicio, pero no indicó si se uniría a la carrera. FUENTE: WBUR - Los jueces conservadores de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos señalaron el miércoles su voluntad de recortar drásticamente los derechos al aborto en Estados Unidos y tal vez revocar el histórico fallo Roe v. Wade de 1973 que legalizó el procedimiento en todo el país, ya que indicaron que defenderían una ley restrictiva de Mississippi respaldada por los republicanos. El tribunal, que tiene una mayoría conservadora de 6-3, escuchó alrededor de dos horas de argumentos orales en el intento del estado sureño de reactivar su prohibición del aborto a partir de las 15 semanas de embarazo, una ley bloqueada por tribunales inferiores. Los jueces liberales advirtieron contra el abandono de precedentes legales importantes y de larga data como Roe y el abandono de un derecho en el que las mujeres estadounidenses han llegado a confiar. Jackson Women's Health Organization, la única clínica de abortos en Mississippi, desafió la ley y cuenta con el apoyo de la administración del presidente demócrata Joe Biden. Se espera un fallo a finales de junio próximo. Roe v. Wade reconoció que el derecho a la privacidad personal bajo la Constitución de los Estados Unidos protege la capacidad de una mujer para interrumpir su embarazo. La Corte Suprema en un fallo de 1992 llamado Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey reafirmó los derechos al aborto y prohibió las leyes que imponen una "carga indebida" sobre el acceso al aborto. Mississippi pidió a los jueces que revoquen los fallos de Roe y Casey. El presidente de la Corte Suprema conservadora, John Roberts, sugirió que el tribunal podría defender la ley de Mississippi sin anular a Roe. No estaba claro si los otros cinco conservadores no llegarían a derrocar a Roe. FUENTE: REUTERS

The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community. Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. My Day at Ground Zero. Retired Episcopal priest Dr. Stephen White, who has served in the Berkshires, recalls his day at Ground Zero as a volunteer clergyman:https://theberkshireedge.com/steve-white-my-day-at-ground-zero/ 2. The state giveth, and sometimes giveth not. An unexpected grant for a road repaving project in Great Barrington, and nothing for the repair of the derelict Housatonic School: https://theberkshireedge.com/out-of-the-blue-unexpected-state-road-grant-and-a-walloping-bill-to-tarp-an-old-school-roof/ 3. Meanwhile, in statewide news, former Berkshire state Sen. Ben Downing has announced he's running for governor … and in a campaign event in Lee, he focused on transportation issues; https://theberkshireedge.com/in-run-for-governor-berkshires-native-son-downing-stresses-transportation-regional-empowerment/ 4. In a sign of how the COVID19 pandemic has upended the Berkshire cultural scene, community choral groups have had to go on hiatus:https://theberkshireedge.com/community-choral-groups-go-silent-as-the-pandemic-drags-on/ 5. The volunteer Berkshire Literacy Network (LitNet) is celebrating its 30th anniversary of helping immigrants learn English in order to gain American citizenship: https://theberkshireedge.com/litnet-celebrates-30-years-of-changing-lives-one-person-at-a-time/ 6. And finally, Music in Common (an organization that was founded by Daniel Pearl, the journalist and musician who was murdered by Muslim extremists while on assignment for the Wall Street Journal — Pearl also worked in the Berkshires for the North Adams Transcript and Berkshire Eagle) is launching a groundbreaking racial equity project in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/music-in-common-launches-groundbreaking-racial-equity-project-in-the-berkshires/

Gubernatorial candidate Ben Downing comes to Worcester and talks Public Transportation. (September 8th, 2021). Photo credit to Christine Peterson (Telegram)

This week on Newsmakers: Tom McCarthy, executive director of Rhode Island's COVID-19 response, lays out the state's strategy to deal with the delta variant and open schools; Ben Downing, a Democratic candidate for Massachusetts governor, explains why he's running for the state's top job.

All this summer, Radio Boston will invite the major candidates officially running for governor here in Massachusetts to make their case.

Plus, a conversation with former State Senator and Democratic candidate for governor Ben Downing.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners how they felt about the shift to remote working. Jonathan Gruber explains how Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani is breaking the economic rule of comparative advantage. Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating both the Massachusetts health-care reform and the Affordable Care Act, and his latest book is "Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth And The American Dream." Juliette Kayyem discusses the decision to ban in-person spectators from the Tokyo Olympics as COVID-19 cases rise in Japan. She also talks about the evacuation of Afghan refugees after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Bina Venkataraman shares recent editorials from The Boston Globe, covering topics such as transparency in the Massachusetts Statehouse to the investigation into the Baker administration's response to the COVID-19 crisis at Holyoke Soldiers' Home. Venkataraman is the editorial page editor at The Boston Globe. Her latest book is “The Optimist's Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age.” Ben Downing talks about his run for governor of Massachusetts, and talked about how growing up in Pittsfield influenced his campaign. He also shares his thoughts on the Baker administration's handling of COVID-19 deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. Downing is running for governor on the Democratic ticket. Art Caplan weighs in on Montana's vaccine discrimination law, and calls for mandatory vaccines. He also talks about a Texas abortion law that offers a $10,000 minimum bounty for citizens to turn in abortion providers thought to be in violation of the state's so-called “heartbeat ban.” Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. We end the show by asking listeners whether the Emmys have lost their status as a cultural touchstone.

The MassDems field isn't set but there's only one candidate who can speak to both ends of the state. And no, it's not Scam. Ben Downing got the slot to hash out why he's running for Governor, the geographical inequities of the Commonwealth, how he'll have to earn every vote no matter who runs, and being an Evertonian in a Liverpool saturated world. It is a big Commonwealth. It deserves more than inside I-95. Follow Ben! Donate! Get to know! https://twitter.com/BenDowningMA https://benformass.com/

Right now, any talk about the 2022 Massachusetts governor's race is likely to be speculative. Maybe Charlie Baker will seek a third term! Maybe Maura Healey will finally challenge him! But there's one notable exception: Ben Downing, the former Democratic state Senator, is in and has already been running for months. In this episode, Adam Reilly and Mike Deehan chat with Downing about his vision for the state and how his biography informs his political worldview — but first, Adam, Peter Kadzis, and Bay State Banner senior editor Yawu Miller size up Downing's potential Democratic rivals.

The Cod Cabin Crew is back, and this time, they have welcomed Ben Downing to the Cabin. Downing, a former state senator, is running for Governor against Charlie Baker in 2022. The Crew asks him about his climate plan, his campaign, his family, and if he stands a chance against possible rival Maura Healey. It's the Cod Cabin.

We're back! On this week's episode of the podcast we have Governor Candidate and Former MA State Senator, Ben Downing. Ben comes on to share his incredible story about family, love for Massacheusets, and the future he sees for this great state! Follow Ben's Campaign Follow Ben on Instagram: @BenDowningMA Follow us on Instagram: @NormalGuyLazyEye If you're liking what you're hearing, and want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do is share our podcast. We're growing mostly from word of mouth, so please let your friends and family know about this show! Leaving a 5-star review really helps us get seen on Podcast Apps! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/normalguylazyeye/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/normalguylazyeye/support

For Ben Downing, politics are personal by CommonWealth magazine

8/21/19--A new co-hosting combo hits the bunker this week -- it's Steve and Stephanie breaking down the latest in Massachusetts. First up is a rundown of the very busy Massachusetts primaries. With all the announced challengers to Congressional incumbents (and undoubtedly more to come), Steve and Stephanie address the question: is the era of "wait your turn" in politics over? The hosts are next joined by Janelle Nanos, a Boston Globe reporter who recently covered the plastic bag ban breakdown on Beacon Hill. A draft of legislation instituting a statewide ban on plastic bags got derailed when a second draft emerged, effectively weakening existing legislation in Massachusetts cities and towns that ban plastic bags and charge fees on paper bags. Last but not least, friend of the pod Ben Downing stops by to talk about his most recent op-ed for Commonwealth Magazine, wherein he urges Democrats not to criticize Baker as a Trump/Pence-clone (a characterization Downing says is untrue and unfair), but to look at Baker's past five years as governor and demand more drastic action on the most dramatic issues in the state.

8/1/18 -- In the last minute scramble of legislation, the state appears to have made horse racing illegal, which means Lauren and Steve are off to the glue factory. But first, they speak with The Springfield Republican's Shira Schoenberg about the chaotic end of the Legislature's formal session, and what did and didn't fall through the cracks. Then former state senator Ben Downing returns to analyze the legislative process that led to the messy end of session, and we continue our tour de commonwealth with CommonWealth Magazine's Michael Jonas on the race for Middlesex District Attorney. This episode is sponsored by WeWork Boston.

5/9/18 -- The home stretch of the ballot question saga comes down to a supreme judicial court decision. State House News reporter Andy Metzger explains why we're in limbo and what to make of Governor Baker's “Grand Bargain.” Then we hear from Western Massachusetts correspondent Rich Parr, who due to Stan Rosenberg's resignation now lives in a district with no state representation. Plus our resident state senate bureau chief Ben Downing discusses the current state of the body.

4/18/18 -- We head north of the wall - a.k.a. New Hampshire - with special guest host and former pod correspondent Ben Downing. First, The Boston Globe's James Pindell describes what he's seeing up north, now that we know Rep. Joe Kennedy III will be heading there in the fall. Then, Salem News' Ethan Forman breaks down the Republican challengers to Rep. Seth Moulton, and our local poll master and host Steve Koczela calls in to discuss the polling related additions to the AP Stylebook.

The Senate's point person on energy, Sen. Ben Downing and the developer behind Cape Wind, Jim Gordon share their concerns about the House energy bill, which calls for the state's utilities to solicit large amounts of offshore wind power and hydroelectricity from Canada, possibly in tandem with onshore wind or other forms of clean energy.

Our crack roundtable (or scrumtable, if you will) tackles some of the biggest headlines in #mapoli and beyond.

We are pleased to welcome Senator Ben Downing to the Rappaport Center Public Policy Podcast Series to discuss the Massachusetts state legislature with Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy Alasdair Roberts. To learn more visit rappaportcenter.org.

A Republican has kicked off a campaign for governor of Massachusetts in 2022, but probably not the one you're thinking of. Former state representative and 2018 U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl co-chaired President Trump's 2016 Bay State campaign. So far, Governor Charlie Baker hasn't said whether he will seek a third term. Diehl joins a field that includes three Democrats — Harvard professor Danielle Allen, former state Senator and Pittsfield native Ben Downing, and State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz. We speak with Tim Vercellotti, director of the Western New England University Poll and professor of political science.