Flashes & Flames

Frustrated that she couldn’t break into women’s magazines, Tobi Oredein decided to do her own thing. That was Black Ballad, now the leading lifestyle publication for and by Black women in Britain. In the 12 years since launch, it has evolved from a free-to-read blog to a unique audience data powerhouse and event organiser. At this year’s MediaVoices Publisher Summit, I spoke to Tobi Oredein, CEO and Founder of Black Ballad, the lifestyle publication for and by Black women in Britain.

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AI is collapsing the cost of much of what information, media and events businesses sell. The premium has moved to what it can’t reproduce – and to the businesses that can prove it.

As part of The Definitive AI Forum for Media, Information and Events, the upcoming AI-focused event with Flashes & Flames on Wednesday 18 November, MediaVoices will be running a series of Masterclasses to help publishing professionals get practical advice and experience for making the most of these technologies. These expert-led Masterclasses will open for booking to existing ticket holders (at no additional charge) two weeks before the event.

We use cookies and similar technologies to store and access information on your device. If you accept, we can measure how the site is used, including browsing behaviour and unique IDs. Logging in, your subscription and SmartAnswers work either way, but some embedded content may not load unless you accept. Storage or access that is strictly necessary to provide a service you have asked for, such as logging in, paying for a subscription or using SmartAnswers.

We use cookies and similar technologies to store and access information on your device. If you accept, we can measure how the site is used, including browsing behaviour and unique IDs. Logging in, your subscription and SmartAnswers work either way, but some embedded content may not load unless you accept. Storage or access that is strictly necessary to provide a service you have asked for, such as logging in, paying for a subscription or using SmartAnswers.

FT record profit amid ‘B2B push’ For 2025, the Financial Times Group celebrated the 10th anniversary of its acquisition by Nikkei with revenue up by 5% to £566mn (35% in the UK), operating up 23% to £51.8mn and estimated EBITDA of £74mn (13%). Ad revenue (52% digital) was up 5% to £15mn, its best year since 2012.Most of the FT’s diversified businesses achieved standout growth.

We use cookies and similar technologies to store and access information on your device. If you accept, we can measure how the site is used, including browsing behaviour and unique IDs. Logging in, your subscription and SmartAnswers work either way, but some embedded content may not load unless you accept. Storage or access that is strictly necessary to provide a service you have asked for, such as logging in, paying for a subscription or using SmartAnswers.

The struggle is real: falling traffic, AI summaries and unreliable social media referrals are pressuring publishers of all stripes. For many, building direct audiences is a key goal. For The Guardian -with supporters delivering 45% of its revenue – direct relationships are the North Star. Liz Wynn, Chief Supporter Revenue Officer at The Guardian, joined MediaVoices at The Publisher Summit in London to talk about how she has helped secure 1.4 million recurring supporters for the paper.