#30 Barry Adams: On Google, AI, and the Future of Publisher Traffic

#30 Barry Adams: On Google, AI, and the Future of Publisher Traffic

Search isn’t going away. Barry Adams returns to unpack Google’s rapid shift to AI, the rise of “AI Mode,” and what this means for user behavior and publisher traffic. He shares why live blogs and newsletters matter more than ever, and how publishers can prepare for a post-peak search world. He also dives into why classic brand signals shape AI answers, even if your content gets consumed differently than what you might wish for.

#29 Lena K: Leadership, AI and Beyond the Newsroom

Are we truly digital-first — or just acting the part? Media veteran Lena K Samuelsson reflects on her transformative tenure at Aftonbladet, Sweden’s largest digital news outlet. Drawing on her experience at Schibsted, she shares three pivotal moments that shaped her leadership: empowering a new generation of editors, accelerating digital transformation during the pandemic, and grappling with the rise of AI in journalism.

#28 NZZ: Purpose-Driven Approach to Digital Innovation in Swiss Media

Alexandra Chillag, Strategy & Portfolio Manager at NZZ, guides us through the unique strengths of the Swiss media landscape, the strategic importance of trust, and how NZZ is balancing its rich heritage with innovation. She highlights NZZ's early adoption of AI-driven technologies like propensity modeling for subscriptions, their approach to meeting younger audiences’ "liquid expectations," and the organization's conscious effort to build direct, loyal relationships with their readers in an increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem.

#27 FT Strategies: The Future of News Depends on Editorial-Commercial Collaboration

Lisa MacLeod from FT Strategies shares lessons from three decades in newsrooms. She explains why many media organizations still struggle to leave their print-first mindset behind, why newsroom and commercial teams need to collaborate much more closely — and why the future belongs to those who embrace experimentation, agility, and a new approach to digital storytelling.

#26 Finanz und Wirtschaft: From Red To Black

Jan Schwalbe, Editor-in-Chief at Finanz und Wirtschaft (FuW), shares the story behind FuW’s transformation into one of TX Group’s fastest-growing digital brands. Under his leadership, the publication expanded beyond print—launching premium products, scaling up events, and embracing gamified formats like Fantasy Funds. These moves boosted brand visibility, attracted younger audiences, and drove subscription growth. Jan also reflects on the high-stakes nature of financial journalism, where precision isn’t just expected—it can move markets.