Our annual listing of 25 media executives who made a difference this year and are shaping how 2018 will look.
Zac Zavos, CEO, Conversant Media
The CEO of the digital media company started the venture with his brother Zolton Zavos in 2004. In the 13 years since, the organisation has become home to three digital properties: The Roar, Lost At E Minor and Techly. Digital sporting destination The Roar, which is one of Conversant Media’s biggest properties, adopts an unconventional editorial model. It relies heavily on contributors for its content and has more 60 columnists on its roster.
Zavos told Mediaweek: “Our fans already know the news but they want to read opinions on the news.” 2017 is the first year that Zavos has run Conversant Media has part of a larger media company. It was acquired by HT&E in 2016. The first year as a part of the HT&E family, which also includes the Australian Radio Network and Adshel, has been an “interesting one”, Zavos said.
Being a part of HT&E has allowed Conversant Media properties to gain more exposure. Techly has a regular session on The Edge radio station. Meanwhile, The Roar produces the sporting bulletins for the Gold Network. Zavos and the larger HT&E team will be looking at more brand synergy opportunities in 2018.