Media General (NYSE:MEG), one of the nation's largest multimedia companies, announced today that John McCarus, online video pioneer and co-founder of the Digital Content Newfronts, has been named Chief Strategy Officer for its industry-leading digital media business.
In this newly created position, Mr. McCarus will be responsible for developing and implementing a fully integrated strategy for one of the industry's largest and most comprehensive digital media businesses. He will work closely with business leaders from LIN Digital, LIN Mobile, Federated Media, HYFN and Dedicated Media to further the company's innovation in content marketing, video across all screens and earned and paid media distribution. He will also launch strategic initiatives that further Media General's position as a national leader in digital video, original content creation and media distribution. Mr. McCarus will report to Robb Richter, Media General's Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, and be based out of the company's New York, NY office.
"John is one of our industry's great visionaries with an impressive track record of innovation in original digital video, a business in which we have made significant investments and hold a distinct advantage to help advertisers achieve multi-screen growth," said Richter. "With his creative thinking, production expertise, and strong relationships with Fortune 500 brands and emerging technology partners, I can think of no one better to fill this critical new role at Media General. His keen vision for our digital media business is exactly what this company needs to achieve new levels of success."
Mr. McCarus was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of their "Digital Power 50," served on the Cannes Lions Branded Content Jury, and was named a Top 25 Marketing Innovator by iMedia Connection.
"This is an amazing opportunity to join one of the most prominent and respected media companies in the business. Media General is committed to fueling their digital media business for continued growth and success," said Mr. McCarus. "From Federated Media's world-class content marketing solutions to Facebook preferred partner HYFN's award-winning social offerings, to LIN Digital's top-ranking comScore platforms, there is tremendous opportunity ahead. I am eager to integrate, build upon and launch new strategic initiatives that will differentiate our content, distribution and unique product offerings in this rapidly evolving space."
The announcement was made on the heels of Media General's merger with LIN Media, which closed on December 19, 2014. "The new Media General is committed to building on its trajectory of strong digital growth and innovation at scale," said Vincent L. Sadusky, Media General's President and Chief Executive Officer. "John has the proven ability to set strategy, lead large teams and harness creative opportunities that will help strengthen our leadership position in the multiscreen marketplace. I am thrilled he has joined our team."
Prior to joining Media General, Mr. McCarus was SVP, Social.Content at DigitasLBi, a global marketing and technology agency. He was a key architect in building the agency's content business and led a national team of content strategists and community activators that drove social content innovation across the agency's North American portfolio. During his eight-year tenure, he founded the Digital Content NewFronts – now an industry wide marketplace for original digital video managed by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). The "Newfronts" as they have come to be known, bring together content creators, distributors, talent, technology partners and brands to harness creative media opportunities in original online video and online brand content. He has also served in executive roles at Conde Nast, Wenner Media and Alliance, the entertainment marketing unit of Grey Group.
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