CHALLENGE, INSPIRE, & PACING CULTURE From the earliest cave paintings to the digital narratives of today, stories remain the foundation of human culture and shape our beliefs, our norms, and our place in it. Storytellers, whether they were ancient poets, playwrights, journalists, or content creators, have always held a unique power to challenge norms, inspire change, and set the pace of culture.   The hunger for meaningful narratives remains palpable. Nearly three-quarters of us, led by the voices of Gen Z (78%), believe we need more storytellers to challenge our thinking about identity and culture. This isn’t just passive consumption; it’s a call for engagement for 70% of consumers. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of human expression, it’s clear that the voices shaping our collective narrative are changing, and with them, the mediums through which we engage with ideas that challenge and inspire us. FROM CHANGE TO CHILL:  MUSICS EVOLVING ROLE For decades, musicians were the pulse of cultural change, giving voice to rebellion, identity, and social causes. From Billie Holiday’s haunting protest in Strange Fruit to Bob Dylan’s anthems of resistance, and from John Lennon’s calls for peace to Madonna’s fearless reinvention of gender and sexuality, music shaped the way generations saw the world.  But, has music shifted from its activism roots? As cultural expression shifts, 62% note that music as a tool for protest is fading – even more true for younger cohorts. Today, music has taken on a different role. Nearly half of us see it as more about entertainment than activism, with genres fragmenting and streaming options multiplying. The anthems that once united generations have given way to personal playlists that reflect individual experiences.   In fact, 48% of Gen Z see it as a platform for personal expression rather than collective action. These trends reflect how

Three-Part Documentary is Now Streaming on Netflix  Starting today, Vox Media Studios and New York Magazine’s new documentary series, Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure is now streaming on Netflix. Based on Benjamin Wallace’s reporting for New York Magazine, Gold & Greed tells the story of Forrest Fenn, an 80-year-old man, who hid a fantastical treasure in the mountains north of Santa Fe that spurred a decade-long treasure hunt. People gave up their jobs, families, and even their lives in pursuit of Fenn’s hidden millions. Now, for the community of devoted hunters, this dangerous pursuit of gold has become an obsessive search for the meaning of truth. Gold and Greed profiles something exceedingly rare – a treasure hunt where the treasure is actually found – and the mystery of where it may be hidden again. Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure is the latest adaptation from Vox Media Studios and New York Magazine. Other recent projects include the feature-length documentary Deepfaking Sam Altman based on Elizabeth Weil’s reporting and HBO’s An Update on Our Family based on Caitlin Moscatello’s feature about family vlogging. Additional notable New York adaptations include Hustlers, The Watcher, Inventing Anna, Saturday Night Fever, and many others. Gold & Greed is produced by Vox Media Studios and Nomadica Films. It is executive produced by Max Heckman, Chad Mumm, Mark W. Olsen, Jared McGilliard, David Clawson, John Collin Jr., Kurt Tondorf, James Campbell, Dean King, and James Haygood. About Vox Media Studios  Vox Media Studios is a modern studio producing premium unscripted, documentary, and scripted programming for today’s global audience. As an Emmy and Academy Award-winning studio, it works in partnership with Vox Media’s category-leading brands—including New York Magazine, The Verge, Eater, Vox, and The Dodo—to extend the company’s storytelling capabilities to the most

Vox Media is returning to SXSW with its biggest presence yet, featuring podcast tapings, panel discussions, special events, and a documentary premiere. Starting Saturday, March 8th, the company will host the second annual Vox Media Podcast Stage presented by Smartsheet with live tapings of fan-favorite shows hosted by leading voices including journalist Kara Swisher and professor Scott Galloway, world champion athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, tech creator Marques Brownlee, and many more. Vox Media’s executives, editorial leaders, and star talent will be participating in panels throughout the festival, and the company will celebrate the world premiere of Deepfaking Sam Altman, a documentary from Vox Media Studios and New York Magazine. Be sure to stop by the Vox Media Podcast Stage and check out the rest of the events below. Saturday, March 8 Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast hosted by tech experts Marques Brownlee, Andrew Manganelli and David Imel Time: 10:00 am -11:00 am CT Location: Vox Media Podcast Stage, Austin Convention Center, Ballroom A Today, Explained hosted by journalist Sean Rameswaram, featuring Governor Tim Walz Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm CT Location: Vox Media Podcast Stage, Austin Convention Center, Ballroom A How Video Enhanced the Audio Star Speakers: Nishat Kurwa (Vox Media),  Vivian Tu (Your Rich BFF), Stephanie Chan (YouTube), Ben Hethcoat (Crooked Media) Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm CT Location: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom B Today’s podcast landscape has moved beyond the simple binary, “audio or video?” As video platforms become increasingly important vehicles for podcast consumption and discovery, the medium holds new opportunities and challenges for creators. Kara and Kory Explain It All Speakers: Kara Swisher (On, Pivot), Kory Marchisotto (e.l.f Beauty) Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm CT Location: The Female Quotient’s FQ Lounge at Waller Creek Boathouse An inspirational conversation with Vox Media’s Kara Swisher and

THE OBJECTIVE The Allstate Foundation has been invested in disrupting the cycle and reducing the prevalence of domestic violence for 20 years, investing over $90M in the cause. Vox Creative leveraged this expertise to shine a light on the contradiction that nearly all survivors experience financial abuse, yet 78% of Americans don’t recognize it as a sign of domestic violence.  How can identifying the early signs of financial abuse prevent further domestic violence? If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call 800-799-7233 or go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website. Download the case study: Allstate Foundation Case Study July 2024 THE IDEA In this Explainer video, our goal was to educate our audience on common misconceptions, the numbers behind it, and what it means to experience financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. Through this education, we also wanted to inspire and provide pathways for our audience to take action through donations, accessing support and resources, and sharing the message with their network. It was critical to our teams to educate our audiences on this sensitive topic with care while keeping the formats digestible and shareable for larger impact. We were able to do this with expertise from The AllState Foundation and FreeFrom while utilizing Vox Media’s reputable educational digital format — the Explainer. We educated our engaged audiences on domestic violence and financial abuse via Vox Media’s wide ecosystem. The tools included an in-depth Explainer video integrated into the Financial Abuse Educational Resource Page, distributed across Vox Media O&O and Vox.com Facebook and Instagram. In addition, three custom TikTok videos expanded education across this critical social platform. POWERFUL VOICES RETARGETING TO QUALIFIED VIEWERS As an additional method of distribution, we set up a retargeting package meant to increase exposure amongst those who had viewed the content already, with the goal of driving a more

All Episodes Available Now on Netflix

The remote is a magical wand. A flick of the wrist, a gentle press of a button, and poof – a portal opens.  Instantly, you’re no longer folding laundry, but navigating the sterile, labyrinthine hallways of Lumon Industries, just like the innies on “Severance”.  Another click, and suddenly you’re watching strangers confess their deepest secrets through a wall on “Love is Blind”.   Give anyone a comfy couch, a questionable snack, and a login to one of the infinite number of streaming services, and they could achieve peak human laziness – it’s that easy.  Effortless entertainment is practically a universal superpower. That said, finding something to watch is often one of the most challenging parts of the day. So why, in this golden age of streaming… …does choosing what to watch feel less like a leisurely stroll through a content garden and more like an endless “buffet” scroll of thumbnails and titles, none of which seem quite right? In partnership with Two Cents Insights, a boutique research agency, Vox Media surveyed 2,000 adults 18+ to understand how consumers navigate the streaming universe and the nuances behind binge and scheduled watching. We found that searching and viewing habits vary greatly across generations, but there’s a universal need for trusted recommendations and post-show resources to navigate and enhance the streaming experience. The Paradox of Choice and the Need for Better Curation While the sheer volume of content available today makes discovering something to watch easier for many (70% overall say it’s easier than 5 years ago), a generational divide reveals a deeper issue.  Younger viewers, particularly Gen Zers, are increasingly overwhelmed by the abundance of choices.  A significant 40% of Gen Zers say it’s harder to find something they’re excited about, often resorting to less desirable options to avoid “scroll fatigue.”  This

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 20, 2025 – MAGNA and VOX MEDIA have been tracking the meteoric rise of podcasts since 2020, publishing research on how podcasts fit into media strategy, followed by a look at the content creators and hosts in the world of podcasts and their influence on listeners. In a new study called “It’s All in the Mind(set)” released today, VOX MEDIA and MAGNA move the conversation beyond the medium and the makers to go deeper on how – and why – brands should [1] consider listeners’ mindsets when advertising on podcasts. Podcasts have leapt forward to become the primary driver of the digital audio market, representing 40% of ad sales ($2.5bn) in 2024 and forecasted to grow by +11% this year, according to MAGNA (U.S. Advertising Forecast, December 2024). As audiences flocked to the space, brands followed. Podcast growth is expected to continue to outperform the total digital audio market in 2025. “It’s been exciting to see how both podcast audiences and advertisers have evolved over the past few years. Our new MAGNA research adds another dimension to how we understand listeners and how brands can derive even better returns on their media investments through tailored planning strategies,” – Dani Benowitz, Global Chief Negotiations Officer, IPG Mediabrands. The new study’s mission was two-fold: First, figure out the predominant listener mindsets and build profiles. Then, utilize the data to formulate media planning strategies aligned to these mindsets. The mindset profiles uncovered insights like why they were listening, how they felt in the moment, where podcasts fit into their daily routines, and more. The researchers found a treasure trove of information after analyzing the detailed diaries kept by over 2,000 research participants (aged 18+). The top 3 Mindsets were Indulgence (53%), Inspiration (31%), and Interconnect (16%). These were the

Vox Media received the most nominations of any media company.

Running from March 8-10th, Vox Media’s podcast stage at SXSW will bring audiences live programming from talent including journalist Kara Swisher and entrepreneur Scott Galloway, world renowned athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, tech creator Marques Brownlee, and more.

Today, a collection of news and magazine publishers, including Advance Local Media, Condé Nast, The Atlantic Monthly Group, Forbes Media, Guardian News and Media, Insider Inc., LA Times, McClatchy Media Company, Newsday, Plain Dealer Publishing Company, Politico, The Republican Company, Toronto Star Newspapers, and Vox Media, all members of News/Media Alliance, the leading industry trade association, filed a copyright and trademark infringement case in the Southern District of New York against Cohere Inc., as reported in the Wall Street Journal. Read more about the case and the full complaint here. This suit alleges that Cohere, an AI company valued at over $5 billion, engaged in widespread unauthorized use of publisher content in developing and running its generative AI systems. Cohere’s behavior amounts to massive, systematic copyright infringement, as well as trademark infringement. The complaint provides a non-exhaustive list of thousands of articles that Cohere has infringed, through training, real-time use of content, and infringing outputs. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction and damages for Cohere’s extensive and willful infringement. “We are going to court to protect our rights. As generative AI becomes more prevalent, it is imperative that legal protections be enforced so that innovation can flourish responsibly. This not only protects investments in the creative process and developing intellectual property, but supports the quality of what users consume and the sustainability of the AI products themselves,” Danielle Coffey, President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance stated. “As news, magazine, and media publishers, we serve an important role in keeping society informed and supporting the free flow of information and ideas, but we cannot continue to do so if AI companies like Cohere are able to undercut our business models while using our own content to compete with us.” Tony Hunter, Chair of the Board of the News/Media Alliance, added, “For far too long, technology platforms have exploited our industry’s content without permission or compensation. Today marks a historic moment as our

In a world marked by uncertainty, some industries are struggling while others are set for growth. One surprising standout? Fashion. Its resilience is driven by the spotlight on daytime fashion, fueled by social media and a renewed focus on personal style. Unlike jetting off to a trendy vacation spot or snagging a reservation at an exclusive restaurant, fashion can be one of the most accessible ways to express your sense of self. We’re in an era where we dress for ourselves while simultaneously curating the image we want to portray. As reported by Mintel, 70% of consumers believe outer appearance and style is important in expressing who they are to those around them. Fashion is no longer just about what’s in our closets but about how we show up in the world. In partnership with Two Cents Insights, a boutique research agency, Vox Media and Vox Creative’s Explainer Studio surveyed 2,000 adults 18+ to deliver a look forward into 2025 by diving into consumer behavior and attitudes. We found that in a time when the world feels split, people want to reshape their lives with a greater commitment on what truly matters. They are embracing fashion as a way to convey who they are and shape how they’re perceived. Fashion’s Future is Bright While budgeting is top of mind today for consumers across categories, the apparel category is poised for momentum. Apparel, along with tech and travel, ranks as the top category for increased consumer spending in 2025. …and Gen Z is Buying It For Gen Zers, apparel is an even greater priority as it surpasses all other categories for increased spending. This generation is 4 times more likely than Boomers to boost their fashion spending. In many ways, clothing is a tool for Gen Zers to showcase their authentic

Sensory Overload, a BrandStorytelling 2025 selection, is debuting with a New York City theatrical run.

Imagine trying to choose a new pair of headphones today. You start with a simple search and scroll, expecting to find a few good options. But instead, you’re met with hundreds of choices, each promising superior sound quality and cutting-edge features. Excitement quickly turns to overwhelm. This is the reality for many consumers navigating today’s digital landscape. The ubiquitous nature of online shopping has left 42% of shoppers feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Over 60% of Gen Zers say they experience “decision paralysis” when shopping, feeling stuck and unable to choose.  Faced with an endless stream of choices and a cacophony of competing voices, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure where to turn. In partnership with Two Cents Insights, a boutique research agency, Vox Media surveyed 1,500 adults 18+ to understand how consumers perceive different shopping platforms and what they find most helpful in navigating the ‘paradox of choice’. We found that in this era of overwhelming choice, consumers are increasingly seeking trusted tools and content that provide clear, reliable guidance. Trust is paramount Shoppers may love convenience, but trust is driving decisions across the majority of product categories. Shoppers may love convenience, but trust is driving decisions across the majority of product categories. The dominance of trust is evident for categories with both high priced items including technology (84%) and luxury goods (74%), as well as everyday items such as beauty and personal care (67%), kitchenware (59%), and apparel (58%). The rise of mistrust While both Google Search and Amazon bring undeniable convenience and choice to the table, skepticism of both promoted products and reviews on these platforms is rising.  When using Google search, the majority of shoppers report at least one-quarter of their results are sponsored, with 37% saying these sponsored results

For the sixth straight year, Vox Media is pleased to announce that it has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. The Corporate Equality Index rates employers providing crucial protections to LGBTQ+ employees, and Vox Media joins the U.S. businesses being honored with HRCF’s Equality 100 Award as leaders in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The full HRCF-CEI report for 2025 is available here. The Corporate Equality Index rates companies on detailed criteria under four central pillars: Non-discrimination policies across business entities; Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; Supporting an inclusive culture; Corporate social responsibility. Vox Media is dedicated to clear and comprehensive workplace standards and practices to support LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company’s continued participation in the CEI index is about creating lasting impact and fostering a workplace culture that employees can take pride in. The company has tapped HRCF’s data and valuable insights from employees’ experiences to serve as a “benchmark” when it comes to professional development, individual employee engagement and creating an inclusive workplace environment. The company provides educational services to advance inclusivity for diverse gender identities, offers inclusive benefits to support access to gender-affirming care, HIV care, family planning services, and mental health, and the P.R.I.D.E Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosts monthly check-ins open to every member of the community and allies. “We are proud to receive the Equality 100 Award from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Fostering and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that values the differences of our employees is paramount to our businesses and audiences we serve,” said Christopher Clermont, vice president, DEI+, Vox

Yesterday, Vox Media co-founder, chair, and CEO Jim Bankoff shared the following note with staff, detailing expanded responsibilities for Pam Wasserstein and Ryan Pauley. Team, I’m writing to share an update on new responsibilities for Pam Wasserstein and Ryan Pauley. These changes are focused only at the leadership level, and do not impact any day-to-day operations. Pam Wasserstein will expand her scope and grow our leadership capacity by serving as my strategic partner, as co-president and vice chair of Vox Media, working directly with me on strategic initiatives and areas of opportunity to best position our company in the changing and tumultuous media environment. In this role she will also work closely with Shyra Smart, our chief development and strategy officer, Sean Macnew, our CFO, and our general counsel Brian Leung, all of whom will continue reporting to me. Already our company president and a member of our board since we merged with New York Media in 2019, Pam is also being elevated to vice chair. New York Magazine, Vox, and Vox Media Studios will continue to report up to Pam. Ryan Pauley will also grow his responsibilities in the new position of co-president of Vox Media. Ryan is adding oversight of our lifestyle brands (Eater, Thrillist, PS), The Verge, Polygon, SB Nation, and The Dodo to his remit. Their group publishers will report to him. He will work closely with these leaders to continue to build industry-leading editorial brands. The podcast business team led by Ray Chao, and the podcast production team led by Nishat Kurwa, will also report to Ryan. The advertising, commerce, and consumer revenue business lines, as well as marketing, will continue to separately report to Ryan. Pam and Ryan have been invaluable partners to me as we’ve built this business in a rapidly shifting climate,

Today, Vox Media and World Central Kitchen (WCK) announced a partnership in support of the nonprofit’s mission of providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Vox Media will integrate World Central Kitchen’s products and affiliated talent into tentpole events across the country, with the goal of increasing awareness of and donations to the nonprofit and adding a roster of top-tier talent to Vox Media’s activations and events. Linda Roth, chief communications officer at WCK said, “At World Central Kitchen, we’re true believers in the power of food- no matter where you are, it is a reminder that you are not alone, someone is thinking about you, and someone cares. We’re excited to partner with Vox Media and tap into shared culinary experiences with Eater, contributing to WCK’s work serving food that offers nourishment and hope to people around the world in the darkest times.” “We are thrilled to partner with World Central Kitchen to spotlight their vital work at our signature events throughout the year, and harness their roster of incredible talent,” said Jacqueline Cinguina, chief marketing officer at Vox Media. “With so many climate and humanitarian crises around the globe, there is great urgency in combatting food insecurity, and we are proud to leverage our platforms to be a small part of those efforts.” The partnership’s inaugural event is Eater Under Wraps, a two-day memorable holiday hideaway experience that features both a shop and a surprise cocktail lounge. Cookbooks authored by the organization and affiliated chefs will be sold on site, with all proceeds donated to World Central Kitchen. The event will take place on December 13th and 14th in New York City. About World Central Kitchen Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to

Subscribers to The Verge will experience the biggest and boldest version of what The Verge can be.

Roddick will bring his flagship podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, to the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Three chef influencers take on a trio of challenges using Campbell’s® soups to create innovative dishes

From LA to London, Mexico City to Paris, the Eater app allows you to discover and book unforgettable culinary experiences and access exclusive reservations — wherever you are.

Small Ball with Kenny Beecham (formerly The Kenny Beecham Podcast) will join Vox Media via a strategic partnership with Beecham’s media and lifestyle brand, Enjoy Basketball.

With a campaign running across Bird and Rapinoe’s sports and culture show produced in partnership with Vox Media, A Touch More: The Podcast, L’Oréal Paris will put a spotlight on women who are driving social change.

Dehnert will serve as group publisher for the lifestyle brands Eater, PS, Punch, and Thrillist.