
CaMpfire Journal
Our journal is where media, values, and fresh perspectives collide. From industry insights to stories that move us, this is where we spark conversation and share what shapes our work, and the world around us.
Lessons from the 2025 ANA Benchmark
The latest ANA 2025 Programmatic Transparency Benchmark shows billions of ad dollars still lost to waste and low‑quality sites. Learn how an integrated, community‑driven strategy delivers real value and trust.
When Media Ownership Shifts, So Does Trust
Media ownership is shifting again, with David Ellison taking control of Paramount and reports of Bari Weiss stepping into CBS News leadership. What does this mean for trust in journalism, and why should brands and communities care?
Local Media Gets Smaller Again: What Nexstar’s $6.2B Grab of TEGNA Means for Communities and Advertisers
When one company controls nearly 200 local TV stations, who really benefits — shareholders, advertisers, or communities? Nexstar’s $6.2B acquisition of TEGNA is being sold as scale, but in practice it may mean fewer local stories, fewer authentic ad opportunities, and fewer voices shaping the conversation.
MS Now and the Future of Media Spinoffs
MSNBC is spinning off into MS Now—but is this a bold step forward for television, or just financial engineering dressed up as strategy?
For viewers, the stakes are trust. For advertisers, it’s clarity versus more fragmentation. Our latest POV unpacks what this shift really signals for the future of TV and why the next gold rush might not be where you expect.
Rethinking TV: Why How It’s Sold Matters As Much As How It’s Watched
Streaming may be the buzz, but the future of TV isn’t just about what people watch—it’s about how it’s sold. Explore why brands that balance linear and streaming buys will win on reach, efficiency, and impact.
How to Craft Messages People Repeat — Lessons from Anat Shenker-Osario
The best messages don’t just persuade — they get repeated. In this conversation with political communications strategist Anat Shenker-Osorio, we explore how shared values, simple language, and a clear vision can turn your audience into your amplifiers. Perfect inspiration as you plan your 2026 campaigns.
There Is No Easy Button: An Honest Conversation About Marketing Attribution with Madan Bharadwaj
Attribution isn't a one-click answer. In this Fireside conversation, Campfire's Chris Marine and M Squared's Madan Bharadwaj unpack why true marketing insight comes from triangulation, not dashboards, and how brands can make smarter, more honest decisions about media ROI.
Stop Grading Your Own Homework: The Case for Independent Attribution in Media
Too many brands trust platform dashboards as gospel. In this piece, we explore why attribution deserves the same rigor as any smart investment and why we believe real media strategy means using multiple sources of truth to guide what’s working, what’s not, and what to do next.
Why the Senate’s Vote on NPR Funding and Global Aid Matters
The Senate is debating a bill that could gut funding for NPR, PBS, and global aid programs. For businesses, media buyers, and impact-driven brands, this moment isn’t just political, it’s personal. Here's why it matters, and what you can do to protect the signals that connect and inform us all.
Why Journalism Still matters, a fireside chat with Brian Yocono
What does it really mean to serve a community through journalism? In this Fireside episode, NewsCenter Maine anchor Brian Yocono joins Campfire founder Chris Marine to explore the evolving media landscape, the emotional weight of storytelling, and why trust in local news is more vital than ever. A must-read (and listen) for anyone who cares about truth, media, and the power of connection.