The famous Proust Questionnaire comes from a popular 19th-century parlor game in which guests were asked to answer a series of questions to reveal the respondent’s true nature. Digiday is updating the Proust Questionnaire for the digital media industry. If you or someone you know would like to answer the Digiday Questionnaire, contact me at the email address below.
Our latest subject is Barry Lowenthal, president of The Media Kitchen.
The Digiday Questionnaire: Barry Lowenthal
1. What about working in the digital media industry makes you happy?
I love working with startups and being close to the people who are driving innovation. Three years ago we were working with companies that were just being invented, and today they’re super famous.
2. What about working in the digital media industry makes you miserable?
I wouldn’t say ‘”miserable,” but always being in beta can be maddening.
3. What is the worst fault you see in your area of the industry?
I think one of the biggest opportunities is around true-attribution modeling. There will be huge inflow of money when we prove the value of every touchpoint.
4. What positive changes do you hope to see in the industry?
Faster speeds on our mobile devices will exponentially accelerate innovations.
5. What is the quality you most admire in a digital media CEO?
The ability to imagine what’s possible and make it a reality.
6. What tech company do you wish you started?
Instagram. I love recording my life in pictures. Follow me at barryl530.
7. Silicon Valley or Madison Ave.?
I think the intersection is where it’s really exciting, and that’s at 160 Varick.
8. Track or Do Not Track?
Disclose and track.
9. App or mobile site?
Ugh, this is a tough one. Today it’s the app. Tomorrow it’s going to be the mobile site.
10. If you could only use one of these for the rest of your life: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Spotify, which one?
My favorite is Instagram, but if I had to pick one, it would be Facebook. I can get everything on Facebook.
More in Media
Earnings from social and search players signal that AI will be a long-play investment
Giants like Google, Meta and Microsoft say investors and advertisers might have to wait longer for AI to generate a better return on investment.
Why some publishers aren’t ready to monetize generative AI chatbots with ads yet
Monetization of generative AI chatbot experiences is slow going. Some publishing execs said they’re not ready to add advertising to these products until they scale or can build a subscription model first.
Media Briefing: Publishers who bet on events and franchises this year are reaping the rewards
Tentpole events and franchises are helping publishers lock in advertising revenue.