Trusted Media Brands (TMB) has entered an exciting new chapter with the appointment of media powerhouse Stephen Colvin as its Chief Executive Officer. Colvin steps into the role after the esteemed Bonnie Kintzer, who dedicated over a decade to transforming TMB into a digital media giant, announced her retirement.
A Strong Leadership Transition
As Colvin prepares to officially take the helm in mid-June, he arrives at a crucial moment for TMB. The company is best known for its portfolio of beloved, user-generated content brands such as Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman, Taste of Home, FailArmy, and The Pet Collective, all of which have resonated with audiences across various platforms.
Pivotal Changes in the Digital Landscape
Under Kintzer’s visionary leadership, TMB has boldly pivoted towards streaming and social video to combat declining open web revenue. Remarkably, the company reported nearly $200 million in revenue last year, with its thriving streaming initiatives contributing a stunning 35% of its total digital revenue (source: ADWEEK).
Colvin’s Vision for TMB
Colvin expresses his enthusiasm for TMB, stating, “I’ve been following Trusted Media Brands for a long time. These are beloved brands with massive reach across platforms, including web, social, streaming, and print—all built on a healthy business and culture of innovation that Bonnie developed.”
An Impressive Media Background
Bringing a wealth of experience, Colvin most recently served as CEO of Nivloc Media and held influential roles at Bloomberg Media, Robb Report, Newsweek, and The Daily Beast. At Bloomberg, he excelled as the global chief commercial officer, overseeing sales, marketing, and research across various media channels. His upcoming strategy for TMB emphasizes capitalizing on the company’s video momentum and forging stronger partnerships with creators.
Growth in Video Content
One of TMB’s standout achievements is seen in its At Home With Family Handyman FAST channel, which has experienced an incredible growth surge of 111% in watch time and 122% in revenue over the past year. TMB’s social video initiatives have also thrived, with brands like Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home, and Family Handyman achieving a stunning 24% increase in video views and an eye-popping 650% growth in revenue year over year, although the company hasn’t disclosed more specific financial details.
Looking Forward: The Future of TMB
Video has become an absolute priority for Colvin, who asserts, “It offers tremendous opportunities for marketers to align with TMB brands and for us to reach audiences across platforms. We will double down on FAST channels, social video, and partnerships with creators.”
Expanding Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence
TMB’s forward-thinking strategy under Kintzer saw the launch of the Trusted Creators Program for Taste of Home, alongside a strong presence on YouTube and CTV platforms like Roku, Samsung, and Pluto. Colvin intends to grow more original content and strategically enhance the use of artificial intelligence in the company’s workflows, which could assist in more precisely surfacing content from TMB’s extensive library.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Colvin notes, “The company has done a great job leaning into FAST and social. The next step is to continue growing our original content and to engage more deeply with audiences wherever they are.” With strong leadership and an innovative vision, TMB stands poised for an exciting evolution in the ever-changing digital media landscape.
