It doesn’t take much for digital media to flourish. All that’s needed are high-quality content and high-quality advertising. Unfortunately, recent events show how far we still have to go to achieve those goals. The twin problems of fake news and filter bubbles have become huge problems all over the world, thanks in part to major social platforms that are indifferent to the environment they are helping create. Until these issues are addressed, advertisers will never enjoy brand safety online. The good news is that some companies are stepping up to address these issues, including SmartNews, where we distribute quality news in a manner that is scalable yet secure and works for publishers, advertisers and audiences.
Rich Jaroslovsky, a veteran journalist who is the chief manager of Smart News USA, discusses the problems and promise of digital media as they confront these branding and trust issues.