MikeWorldWide (MWW), the leading reputation-first communications agency in the U.S., has achieved a landmark recognition by being named the most awarded PR agency at the 2025 American Business Awards®. This distinction includes receiving a Grand Stevie Award, reflecting the agency’s outstanding execution, cultural relevance, and strategic foresight across multiple brand campaigns and categories.

Award-Winning Achievements and Campaign Highlights

• Top Honors for Agency Excellence

  • Gold Stevie for Company of the Year - Advertising, Marketing & PR

  • Bronze Stevie for Public Relations Agency of the Year

  • Recognition across multiple campaign-specific categories, reinforcing MWW’s leadership in integrated, content-driven, and crisis-focused communication.

• Kentucky Derby: 150 Campaign

  • Fused tradition with modern storytelling for a historic year

  • Gold Stevie: Communications/PR Campaign of the Year - Sport

  • Silver Stevie: Communications/PR Campaign of the Year - Integrated Communications

• Nikon Creators Camp Campaign

  • Empowered emerging creators and highlighted Nikon’s modern relevance

  • Gold Stevie: Brand Experience of the Year - Consumer

  • Bronze Stevie: Branded Content Campaign of the Year

  • Bronze Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Content Marketing

• Red Lobster Crisis & Reputation Campaign

  • Delivered expert counsel and protected brand trust during critical challenges

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Brand/Reputation Management

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Issues Management

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Crisis Communications (Online)

MikeWorldWide’s sweep at the 2025 American Business Awards underscores its role as a pioneer in culturally aware, results-driven PR. The agency’s ability to combine strategic insight with exceptional execution continues to define its influence on brand reputation, stakeholder trust, and modern communication. CEO Michael Kempner credits this success to the team's foresight and disciplined creativity, which consistently produces award-winning, culture-shaping outcomes.

Netwrix, a leader in cybersecurity solutions, has announced four key executive appointments aimed at accelerating product innovation, bolstering enterprise security, and supporting its rapid global expansion. These seasoned leaders will drive strategic initiatives across technology, security, and IT, aligning with the company’s long-term vision, especially its cloud-native SaaS platform, Netwrix 1Secure.

Executive Appointments and Their Roles

• Paul Stephens – Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

  • Brings leadership experience from Splunk, Symantec, Veritas, and ServiceNow

  • Will lead the global R&D team and drive development of Netwrix 1Secure

  • Focused on building scalable, cloud-native SaaS security platforms

• Shawn Valle – Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

  • Formerly led security functions at Salesforce, Rapid7, and Tricentis

  • Will oversee security for Netwrix's enterprise operations and cloud solutions

  • Ensures compliance, infrastructure integrity, and customer data protection

• Michael Wetzel – Chief Information Officer (CIO)

  • Previously modernized IT infrastructure and drove AI initiatives at The Hershey Company

  • Tasked with executing Netwrix’s global IT strategy

  • Focused on enabling innovation, operational efficiency, and secure digital transformation

• Jeff Warren – Chief Product Officer (CPO)

  • With Netwrix since 2010, has been central to shaping its product roadmap

  • Will lead product strategy and execution across the portfolio

  • Aligns innovation with evolving customer needs and market demand

Netwrix’s new leadership appointments underscore the company’s dedication to scaling its global operations, securing enterprise environments, and driving forward its SaaS strategy. With experienced professionals at the helm of technology, security, IT, and product management, Netwrix is well-positioned to lead the next wave of innovation in the cybersecurity and identity management space.

WebPT, the leading rehab therapy platform, has rolled out significant upgrades to WebPT Local, a feature-rich solution aimed at enhancing digital visibility for physical therapy clinics. These enhancements focus on streamlining local SEO, reputation management, and social media marketing equipping rehab providers with easy-to-use tools to attract new patients and build a stronger digital presence without diverting focus from patient care.

Enhancements in WebPT Local

• AI-Optimized Business Listings

  • Automates listing updates across 90+ directories (up from 18)

  • Improves visibility in local search results

  • Ensures consistency in clinic name, address, phone, and services

• Expanded Social Media Management

  • Supports more platforms for content publishing

  • Enables content scheduling and performance tracking

  • Reduces time spent on social engagement

• Real-Time Review Management

  • Sends instant alerts for new patient reviews

  • Offers AI-powered suggested responses

  • Automates feedback display via website widgets and email outreach

• Improved Search Ranking & Discoverability

  • Syncs practice data across major directories

  • Enhances local SEO to reach 97% of consumers searching online

  • Helps clinics appear in Google’s local search results more frequently

• Competitive Benchmarking Tools

  • Provides insights into how patients discover the clinic

  • Offers performance comparison with local competitors

  • Delivers recommendations to optimize digital presence

With the latest enhancements to WebPT Local, rehab therapists now have access to a robust, AI-powered digital toolkit that simplifies local SEO, social engagement, and online reputation management. These features are designed not only to help clinics attract more patients but also to maintain a competitive edge—while allowing therapists to stay focused on delivering high-quality care.

Intercept Music, a prominent name in tech-driven music distribution and marketing for independent artists, has announced the closing of a $50 million private partnership. This strategic investment aims to reshape the future of music rights and catalog management, with a specific focus on U.S. and Latin music catalogs. The move underscores Intercept’s broader mission to become the leading platform for independent creators worldwide.

Strategic Highlights

• $50 Million Funding Partnership
  The private investment will fund strategic acquisitions of music catalogs, with an emphasis on:

  • U.S. and Latin music markets

  • Catalogs with under-leveraged streaming and licensing potential

• Flexible Deal Structuring
  Intercept will offer:

  • Full or partial acquisition of music rights

  • Collaborative partnerships with original rights holders

  • Continued creator involvement for synergy and authenticity

• Technology-Driven Value Amplification
  Intercept will utilize its proprietary platform to:

  • Employ predictive analytics and targeted marketing

  • Enhance streaming, sync, and licensing revenues

  • Expand reach across digital music channels

• Expansion of Catalog Management Operations
  The funding enables:

  • Strengthened operational capacity

  • Increased efficiency in rights management

  • Scalable tools for independent artists and rights holders

• Executive Vision & Endorsement

  • CEO Tod Turner sees this as a pivotal step in reshaping how music rights are valued and monetized

  • Founder Ralph Tashjian emphasizes the integration of institutional-grade funding with transparent, tech-driven tools to set a new industry benchmark

With its $50 million investment, Intercept Music is taking a decisive step toward transforming the music rights landscape. By combining capital with proprietary technology and a focus on empowering independent creators, the company is poised to redefine catalog acquisition, management, and monetization in the digital era.

QVC, a global leader in live shopping, is set to amplify its Age of Possibility mission with a groundbreaking collaboration with TikTok. Launching on May 14 in Santa Monica, the initiative marks the second year of the campaign and introduces a unique TikTok Shop Super Brand Day that puts women at the forefront of modern retail innovation.

Highlights of the Event

• Second Year of Age of Possibility
  QVC renews its mission to inspire and empower, with the second annual celebration focusing on reinvention and transformation through live shopping.

• TikTok Shop Super Brand Day Debut
  A cross-category digital shopping experience featuring celebrity and creator-led content streamed live on TikTok Shop.

• Event Location and Setup
  Hosted in Santa Monica, the event will include:

  • Creator and celebrity-led sessions

  • Red-carpet entrance

  • Immersive on-site experiences

  • Appearances from QVC hosts, Q50 ambassadors, and brand partners

• Q50 Ambassadors – A Spotlight on Women
  This year’s Q50—a community of inspiring women celebrating reinvention at any age—includes:

  • New members: Hoda Kotb, Carla Rockmore, and Kathy Hilton

  • Returning names: Kathie Lee Gifford, Stacy London, and Barbara “Babs” Costello

• Product Discovery & Exclusive Deals
  An 8-hour livestream will showcase:

  • New product launches

  • Special event-only deals

  • Curated collections in beauty, fashion, home, and kitchen

• QVC’s Commitment to Inclusive Retail
  Live content focuses on empowering women and creating a space for connection, community, and commerce—meeting audiences where they are on platforms like TikTok.

QVC’s collaboration with TikTok for the Age of Possibility Super Brand Day is more than just a retail event—it's a statement on how live, creator-led content is shaping the future of shopping. By spotlighting female voices and building a community rooted in empowerment, QVC is redefining relevance in the age of digital commerce.

Storyblok, the headless CMS platform for brands aiming to make a fast market impact, has released its State of CMS 2025 report. The global survey, which collected insights from 1,300 marketers and developers, sheds light on the growing demand for AI-powered content creation, the persistent reliance on legacy CMS systems, and the resulting content bottlenecks. The findings reveal that companies are eager for modern, flexible CMS solutions but are hindered by outdated systems and fragmented content management.

AI-Powered Content Creation Leads the Demand

According to the survey, 44% of businesses highlighted AI-powered content creation as the most desirable CMS feature. This represents a 13% increase from the 2024 survey, underscoring the growing demand for automation and smart solutions in content creation. Content scaling (32%) and dynamic content optimization (30%) followed closely behind, showing that companies are looking for tools that can streamline content workflows and improve efficiency. Collaboration tools (29%) also ranked highly, reflecting the need for enhanced teamwork across content teams.

Content Bottlenecks Persist with Legacy CMS Systems

Despite the clear demand for modernization, 61% of businesses still rely on more than one CMS to manage their content. This fragmented approach often stems from the limitations of legacy systems, with many companies using multiple CMSs to mitigate delivery risk, support omnichannel needs, and adjust to changes in their tech stack. In fact, 47% of companies cite the need for multiple systems to adapt to new tech requirements, and 50% are exploring different CMS options to modernize and streamline their operations.

The Shift Toward Modern, Flexible Systems

This desire for flexibility and efficiency comes at a pivotal time, with companies planning to expand content delivery to newer platforms, such as AR/VR (15%) and smartwatches (14%). The shift to these advanced technologies further highlights the need for modern headless CMS solutions that can provide the scalability and adaptability required to succeed in an omnichannel landscape.

Salaries Reflect the Demand for Modern CMS Skills

The report also analyzed 7,374 job listings that referenced CMS systems, finding a clear wage disparity between roles involving legacy CMS and modern headless CMS skills. In the U.S., marketers working with legacy CMS systems earn an average of $54,625, while those skilled in modern systems earn $101,270, a significant 85% increase. Developers with legacy CMS expertise make an average of $75,575, compared to $97,738 for those working with modern headless systems, reflecting a 29% increase in salary.

Legacy Systems Fail to Meet Growing Needs

Mark Wheeler, CMO of Storyblok, commented on the report’s findings, emphasizing the importance of modern CMS solutions for the future. “The shift to AI-powered search and omnichannel content delivery means that brands need a modern CMS to ensure their content is structured, discoverable, and not invisible. The CMS pivot window for brands is closing quickly, and those who do not modernize now risk falling behind.”

Storyblok’s State of CMS 2025 report highlights the growing frustration with legacy systems and the increasing demand for AI-powered, flexible CMS solutions. As businesses look to scale content delivery across new channels and enhance collaboration, modern headless CMS platforms like Storyblok are emerging as essential tools for success in the future of digital marketing.

StackAdapt, a leading technology company in advertising and marketing, today announced the launch of its new email marketing and Data Hub solutions. This innovative expansion bridges the gap between adtech and martech, providing marketers with a unified platform to increase efficiency, streamline workflows, and connect data, messaging, and media into a cohesive strategy.

With the new email marketing feature, StackAdapt is the first programmatic advertising platform to seamlessly integrate owned and paid media. This allows marketers to activate first-party data in a privacy-first manner, delivering consistent messaging across multiple channels.

Unifying Media and Messaging in One Platform

StackAdapt’s new email marketing solution, powered by the StackAdapt Marketing Platform, allows marketers to orchestrate campaigns across display, native, video, CTV, DOOH, in-game, audio, and now email, all within a single workflow. By removing silos between these different channels, marketers can create more cohesive campaigns that align programmatic advertising with owned messaging strategies like email.

Marketers can now reach their audiences through programmatic advertising while simultaneously engaging them through email campaigns. As part of the exclusive early access release, clients can send up to 1 million free emails to start activating email alongside their programmatic advertising efforts.

The Power of StackAdapt's Data Hub

The new email solution is made possible by StackAdapt’s proprietary Data Hub, which enables users to upload, segment, and activate first-party data while orchestrating customer journeys. This helps brands deliver cross-channel experiences from a single platform, ensuring that messages and media align with customer preferences and behaviors.

In an increasingly privacy-conscious world, first-party data is vital for marketers, and StackAdapt’s capabilities empower brands to act on this data efficiently. Marketers can now trigger actions across channels, like showing a CTV ad view after an email message or optimizing campaigns based on real-time purchase signals—all within one integrated platform.

A Privacy-First, AI-Powered Solution

As privacy regulations tighten and third-party cookies phase out, StackAdapt’s platform ensures that brands can rely on first-party data to personalize campaigns securely. Powered by AI and real-time optimization, the solution helps marketers reach the right audience at the right time with tailored messages. By consolidating tools, marketers can streamline their workflows and prove performance more effectively.

Vitaly Pecherskiy, Co-founder and CEO of StackAdapt, explained: “Bringing email into the StackAdapt ecosystem gives our clients an entirely new way to activate their first-party data and close the loop between media and messaging.”

Industry-First Martech and Adtech Integration

StackAdapt’s new platform is an industry-first solution that unifies adtech and martech into one powerful tool. By combining programmatic advertising and email marketing, marketers gain a 360-degree view of the customer journey, enabling them to act faster, personalize at scale, and achieve greater campaign efficiency.

Carole Lawson, Chief Innovation Officer at Marketstorm, commented: "StackAdapt’s Data Hub is a game-changer. It simplifies the process—fewer silos, more clarity, and visibility from first impression to final conversion.”

With this launch, StackAdapt has positioned itself as a next-generation marketing platform, helping agencies and brands seamlessly integrate paid media, email, first-party data, and AI-driven personalization into one streamlined solution. This unified approach is designed to deliver smarter, more connected customer journeys with measurable results at every stage of the funnel.

A fresh, fearless voice is entering the media landscape. "Her Take", a groundbreaking new podcast, will air every Friday at 11 AM EST from the Valuetainment Studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The podcast features a powerhouse team of unapologetic women offering honest and unfiltered discussions on the most pressing stories shaping our world today.

Dynamic Voices Behind "Her Take"

"Her Take" will be led by a rotating group of influential women, including Jillian Michaels, Ana Kasparian, Amy Dangerfield, and Lindy Li. These bold, trailblazing women promise sharp, candid commentary that goes beyond the surface-level headlines. The show stands apart from traditional daytime panels by offering a balanced and contemporary perspective on culture, politics, and media.

In future episodes, high-profile figures such as Sharon Osbourne, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators will join the discussion, bringing diverse voices and real-life experiences to the conversation.

A New Voice in Media

According to Patrick Bet-David, CEO of Valuetainment, "Her Take" is a show that fills a gap in today’s media landscape. “This show is about giving a voice to women who are shaping the moment. It aligns with the lives, beliefs, and perspectives of our audience while delivering something real and essential.”

The podcast offers more than just a platform for opinions—it creates a space where women’s voices can challenge, listen, debate, and find common ground. In the words of Jillian Michaels, “We’re not here to echo each other or toe a party line. We’re here to challenge, listen, debate, and—when it makes sense—find common ground.”

State-of-the-Art Production

Filmed in the world-class Valuetainment Studios, "Her Take" is produced by Chuck LaBella, the renowned Executive Producer behind some of the most compelling content in modern media, including "THE PBD PODCAST." The high-quality production values and the intellectual depth of the show will make it a standout in the crowded podcast space.

"Her Take" offers an alternative to the typical media fare, delivering in-depth, thought-provoking conversations that challenge viewers' thinking. It’s not just another talk show—it’s an unfiltered space where powerful women engage in real dialogue. The show’s diverse group of contributors ensures that it offers a unique perspective on today’s most important topics, from pop culture to politics.