Reflecting on 2023, Looking Forward to 2024

As the year draws to a close, I can’t help but to reflect on the journey Hero Media has undergone the past twelve months. If this year’s wins are any indication of what’s yet to come for Hero Media, it's safe to say we will continue to drive the conversation on disrupting the advertising, media and technology industries to underscore the importance of diverse ownership across verticals. I am excited about what’s to come, and hope you’ll join us on this journey.?You can read more about my thoughts, a preview of our upcoming content that highlights diverse narratives from Lauren, and a year of headlines in review below.

From my family to yours, I wish you a Happy Holidays and Prosperous New Year!

- Joseph Anthony , Founder and Chairman

I launched Hero Media with Leonard Burnett Jr. with the intention of opening up the aperture to the investment in diverse-owned media. But if this year is any indication of what is to come for Hero Media, we are well-positioned to accomplish this and much more–disrupting the advertising, media and technology industries to underscore the importance of diverse ownership across verticals.

We started the year strong in the Black-owned media space by announcing several key partnerships expanding our reach and capabilities. This a step in the right direction in terms of closing the gap on diverse media investment, and providing more opportunities for brands to connect with diverse owned media beyond their own inventory. We look forward to continuing to add additional publishers, and creators in our network in order to support and empower diverse ownership across the industry.

In May, we welcomed the fantastic Lauren Maillian . Lauren has oversight across all Hero Media’s lines of business, with an emphasis on driving partnerships and growth to the companies first party platforms and proprietary ad tech solutions, agency relationships, content conceptualization and programming. She also recently discussed some of the exciting content from Hero Media to come in 2024, which you can read about here.

June marked a major milestone for Hero Media. We celebrated Juneteenth in Cannes with the first annual Heroes of Media Awards Dinner, celebrating those who prioritize inclusive content and diverse media investments. We honored Eden Bridgeman Sklenar , Eric Austin , and Halle Berry.?We’re excited to share that Heroes of Media will return to Cannes for its second iteration of the celebration with exciting new partners, legendary honorees, and more.?

Before we closed 2023, we announced our venture into adtech by introducing Hero One, the first ML-Powered Black-owned DSP in programmatic advertising with AdTheorent . As it stands, there is little to no diverse ownership in AdTech. It's imperative that we have greater equity in the platforms that will dictate where and how money is allocated to Black and diverse owned media brands. In 2024, we will see that the future of advertising technology will hinge on the success of diverse-owned ad tech platforms like Hero One. I hope you’re inspired as I am after reflecting on this year's wins and anticipating what’s yet to come for Hero Media and the future of diverse-owned media and technology.

- Joseph Anthony , Founder and Chairman, Hero Media

A Focus on Diverse Narratives in 2024

As President, Digital Innovation at Hero Media Inc., my focus has been on crafting powerful stories and tag-lines to promote inclusivity and offer a broader perspective of the Black experience, while also helping advertisers find culture-forward ideas that align with their brand narratives. It's a recognition that we are not monolithic; hence, we must amplify every facet of our identity in the content we create and the way I show up as President.

Our dedication extends to showcasing the multifaceted nature of Black culture.

Our upcoming projects in 2024 will emphasize the broad spectrum of what our community has to offer. We are emphasizing our commitment to ensuring that no facet of our identity is concealed.

I believe in a multi-pronged approach to effecting change. Drawing parallels with my previous role as CEO of digitalundivided, transforming the non-profit into an innovative social impact organization, I know the value of creating approaches that become a triple threat teaching the valuable lesson—applying pressure on multiple fronts simultaneously. Now, in the advertising, media, marketing, and communications industries, I'm adopting a similar ethos and utilizing my proven approach – embracing complexity and applying continuous pressure, backed by data and insights, for meaningful change.

Reflecting on my childhood, these conversations about our identity, once confined within our homes, now demand a shift. It's time to make these dialogues the norm. Embracing the complexity of doing it all, we stand ready at Hero Media Inc. to redefine the narrative for a more inclusive future in media and advertising.

Our commitment is our mantra at Hero Media Inc., not choosing one over the other but embracing both simultaneously to deliver culture and performance at scale. As we navigate the challenges of the industry, we stand ready to redefine the narrative, craft influential and impactful content, and continue our journey towards a more inclusive media landscape.

Here's to changing what's on our screens and showing the fullness of inclusivity.

- Lauren Maillian , President, Digital Innovation

2023 Headline Highlights

• Campaign US: Hero Media hires Lauren Maillian as president of digital innovation
• Brand & Culture: Cannes Lions 2023: Black creatives make waves on Juneteenth
• People of Color in Tech: Black-Owned Hero Media Launches New ML-Powered Platform To Revolutionize AdvertisingInterested in learning more about our capabilities? Reach out to Lauren Maillian , [email protected].