Digiday’s Best of the Week: Ban Slideshows

Wondering if you need more slideshows? Chris Johanesen of Buzzfeed says no. Want to make sure you’re ahead in digital? Look at what PBS Digital Studios is doing. This week’s top stories centered around publishers figuring out digital media, and of course, the Cannes Lions.

1. Why Publishers Should Ban Slideshows
Buzzfeed’s vp of product Chris Johanesen makes an expert case for why slideshows are only a superficial benefit for publishers. When publishers forgo usability and think of their readers as pageviews, not potential content promoters, they lose.

2. How PBS Won at Digital
Everyone’s favorite public broadcasting station is moving to online video with hope that they can serve the American public on demand. Though the station is running pre-roll ads, PBS still isn’t making very much in its quest to attract a younger audience.

3. Ways Not to Be a Douche at Cannes
Did you misplace your rosé at Cannes and then pass out on the sidewalk? This was a list of things to be conscious of at Cannes so that you didn’t look like a douche.

4. Has Mobile Advertising Failed?
As platforms like Twitter introduce native advertisements that don’t differentiate between mobile and desktop, publishers are looking to follow suit. By not building out separate mobile-specific advertisements, publishers can deliver both mobile and desktop at the same time.

5. Publishers’ Talent Woes
Publishers are experiencing a shortage of sales talent as digital media keeps moving forward. The case might be that top talent is relocating to large tech companies like Google and LinkedIn.

Be sure to follow @Digiday on Twitter to receive more top stories from this week.

https://digiday.com/?p=41510

More in Media

How creators are using generative AI in podcasts, videos and newsletters — and what advertisers think about it

Here’s a look at how some creators are leveraging generative AI to create video, audio and written content — and whether or not that’s a turn-off for advertisers.

Illustration of a performer balancing money weights on a tightrope, symbolizing how brand safety tools help marketers maintain performance and control.

Buzzfeed, News Corp and New York Times push back on tariff fears in earnings calls

Publishing execs pushed back on tariff and macroeconomic climate fears in Q1 2025 earnings calls, expressing confidence that their businesses would grow this year.

Digiday+ Research: Publishers’ subscription revenue is up this year, and they’ll focus on growing it even further

Subscriptions is one area where publishers are seeing more revenue, and, in turn, ramping up their plans to strengthen that part of their business in the coming months.