Colin Daniels is the digital editor at ADWEEK, a leading source of news for marketing, media and advertising professionals. He shared with us his thoughts on storytelling in advertising, on the AI conundrum, his early inspirations into journalism and more.
What inspired you to become a journalist and how did you get into the profession?
I grew up watching shows like Entertainment Tonight, E! News and TRL and wanted to do exactly what they were doing. As I got older, journalists like Katie Couric and Anderson Cooper inspired me and showed me other aspects of journalism that I really wanted to pursue. As a student in college and grad school, I started my own blogs and would volunteer at various media events to meet those doing exactly what I wanted to do.
What’s your role at Adweek - and what are the latest developments there?
I’m one of the digital editors here and host of the ADWEEK podcast Young Influentials where I interview creators, founders, etc. about their journey in their respective fields.
You're a digital editor there. How are you coping with the fact that AI seems to have swamped the headlines at the moment?
Like anything new, it always creates a sense of uncertainty. I feel that AI isn’t here to replace anyone but serve as a tool to help. There are just some things a human journalist can do that AI can’t.
You’ve written about art and culture, and also real estate. Why did you decide to transition into the advertising world?
I’ve always loved marketing and branding. At the root of every area I’ve covered, I believe advertising played a role, which is the art of storytelling.
It’s hard to express or convey a story without the right creative media alongside it.
As a member of the Epica Awards jury, how do you approach evaluating and selecting the best creative work from around the world?
I like to look at it from the approach of is the material able to convey a clear and concise message that can connect to people no matter if they’re familiar with the product, service, etc.
How important is the relationship between journalism and the creative community, and how can it be further strengthened?
Both communities work together in my opinion. It’s hard to express or convey a story without the right creative media alongside it.
What are the most memorable campaigns or creative projects you've covered and what made them stand out for you?
I did a fun social video series on the various companies doing ads in the Super Bowl that was fun!
What’s the biggest challenge facing the creative industry today – and how might it be addressed?
With the landscapes like social and tools like AI constantly evolving and being introduced, I say the challenge will be finding new ways to authentically engage and connect with audiences.
What role do you see journalism playing in promoting and advocating for diversity and inclusion within the creative industry?
Journalism plays a huge role in DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), but it shouldn’t just rely on reporters in those communities, but the entire newsroom.
Who are your role models or mentors in journalism and the creative world? And what’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
I love Soledad O'Brien, Elaine Welteroth and Will Welch. All three of them truly embody the idea of bringing your whole self to work and not afraid to push the limits on stories they do. The best advice I received is "if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one".
"If you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one."