Curious about what it’s like to step into a powerhouse like The Washington Post? Look no further. Join us for an exclusive LinkedIn Live recap featuring Jana Meron, the new VP of Revenue Operations and Data at The Washington Post.
Transitioning into a new role can be daunting, especially at a prestigious institution like The Washington Post. But Jana Meron, now the VP of Revenue Operations and Data, embraced this challenge head-on. In a recent LinkedIn Live session, hosted by yours truly, Lynne d Johnson, Content Director at AdMonsters, Meron opened up about her transition, the state of the digital advertising industry, and her vision for The Washington Post’s future.
In this lively session, Meron spills the beans on her career journey and the challenges of the ad tech ecosystem. Discover how she plans to tackle brand safety issues, harness first-party data, and drive innovation at one of the world’s most respected news outlets.
Plus, don’t miss her pearls of wisdom on mentorship, career growth, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising. Tune in to gain invaluable perspectives on the intersection of ad tech and journalism.
Rekindling Connections: From Coronado to LinkedIn Live
It’s always a blast reconnecting with industry peers, and this LinkedIn Live was no different. The last time Meron and I crossed paths was at AdMonsters PubForum Coronado in 2023. That encounter was unforgettable, filled with intense discussions about the bloated advertising ecosystem, and even a few well-deserved F-bombs were dropped on stage. Meron’s passion for the industry and her desire to see publishers win shone through every word.
Check out the video below and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn so that you can stay up-to-date on more conversations like these.
“As long as we’re focusing on our readers… we’ll be able to do better for our advertisers.” – Jana Meron 7/25/2024
The Washington Post: A New Chapter
During our chat, Meron radiated excitement about her new role at The Washington Post. The day she announced her new gig on LinkedIn as VP of Revenue Operations and Data, we knew we had to bring her into our AdMonsters community discussions.
Mark your calendars. She’ll be one of our keynotes at AdMonsters PubForum Boston, discussing: Boosting Revenue through Brand Suitability. With her vast experience in ad tech and a keen understanding of the advertising landscape, Meron is an invaluable asset to the Post. Her journey to this role is steeped in her passion for news and media, representing a chance to make meaningful changes in an industry she loves.
“Twenty-five years of experience, and this role gives me the ability to do it all in one place,” she shared.
Jana Meron’s Background and Motivation
Meron’s career kicked off as a media buyer in the early days of digital advertising when it was still considered an added value to traditional platforms like TV and print. Her diverse experience spans TV, digital display, print, programmatic, and data strategy. This new role allows her to channel her 25 years of expertise into a brand she is deeply passionate about. Her mission is clear: to combat the bloated ad tech ecosystem and ensure the news survives and thrives.
Challenges in the News Industry
Brand safety measures significantly impact news, Meron explained. She cited instances where crucial articles were blocked from receiving ads, limiting their reach and impact. To explain further, she highlighted how ad networks often penalize articles covering the elections.
“Why would you avoid reaching them when they’re most engaged?” she emphasized, noting that news is a vital part of daily life and that should be supported by advertisers, not shunned.
Ad Tech and Privacy Concerns
“The media has always been ad-funded,” Meron affirmed. “We wanted information to be available, but we forgot to tell people that the exchange for that was going to be seeing ads.”
She underscored the complexities of the ad tech ecosystem and rising privacy concerns. Recalling an interaction with an ad tech company admitting to being the ad tech tax, she stressed the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both advertisers’ needs and user privacy.
Strategies for Success
Meron champions the importance of first-party data and user engagement as strategies for tackling these issues and improving the news advertising ecosystem. “I’m always excited about first-party data and what we can do with it,” she stated. She sees it as a way to innovate and improve the relationship between publishers, advertisers, and audiences.
She also advocates for better advertiser education and an updated approach to ad tech practices that align with the evolving landscape.
Mentorship and Career Development
The discussion also touched on the significance of mentorship and career development. Having learned the industry mostly on her own and later through collaborative efforts with peers, Meron stressed the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and voicing opinions. For her, mentorship is about guiding the next generation with her wealth of knowledge and experience.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing a demanding career with a personal life is no small feat, and Meron candidly spoke about her approach. She prioritized her children’s needs at different stages of their lives, adjusting her professional commitments accordingly. This flexibility allowed her to maintain a balance that worked for her and her family.
Her drive comes from a deep curiosity about how things work and the satisfaction of solving complex problems. Meron thrives on making ad tech work efficiently while enhancing user experiences. Her inquisitive nature pushes her to seek better solutions and improve industry practices.
Future Trends in Digital Media and Ad Tech
Looking ahead, Meron is particularly excited about the potential of first-party data to model better user experiences. With the digital media landscape and ad tech constantly evolving, she’s keen to see how new technologies and strategies will shape the future.