Stuart Dick, Are Media NZ general manager

What’s the one word to sum up your mood as we look to 2024?

Optimistic.

How would you describe your past year?

Solid. Core business performed well and we started getting traction on our newly launched content/commerce platforms listener.co.nz and shop. yourhomeandgarden.co.nz.

What’s the best initiative/project/ campaign in your own business — and one you thought a rival did well?

Particularly proud of launching our first e-commerce platform shop. yourhomeandgarden.co.nz to directly convert the inspiration and influence from our media brands into transactions and sales for ourselves and our commercial partners.

Rival/friend win? I reckon NZME’s overall performance is the benchmark at the moment — print holding well, digital growing nicely with new initiatives, and radio/audio and the ZB machine in particular just keeps on rolling.

The common denominator among local media companies that will be successful this year is they have multiple and diversified revenue streams and a clear strategy for each.

How do you think 2024 will play out for New Zealand media — what’s the biggest priority for you?

Challenging times for some, but big opportunities for others. Some local media owners are worryingly reliant on one revenue stream and are meeting the inflection point of declining revenue v increasing costs.

But the common denominator among local media companies that will be successful this year is they have multiple and diversified revenue streams and a clear strategy for each.

What’s the biggest issue that keeps you awake at night?

Two babies at our house. Otherwise, I’m fairly relaxed. What’s the biggest mistake media/ marketing /advertising people need to avoid in 2024?

Taking themselves too seriously.

What are your plans for the summer break? Nice family holiday in Pauanui and hopefully sneak in a few rounds of golf — keen to beat Nigel Douglas this year!