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.
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.
The FTC Just Redefined What It Means to Be a Media Agency
Why the Omnicom-IPG merger ruling should have every brand, strategist, and publisher paying attention. This isn’t just a regulatory update, it’s a major shift in how media power is policed, raising urgent questions about transparency, bias, and what it really means to build values-aligned media strategies.
Celebrating Five Years of our podcast and a New Declaration of Interdependence
Five years into the Responsibly Different™ podcast, the Campfire team reflects on the evolving role of media in shaping community, democracy, and business. This milestone episode marks a new chapter and a renewed commitment to building a healthier media ecosystem.
Juneteenth and the Power and Responsibility of Media
Juneteenth marks the day freedom was finally announced to over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas—years after it was legally granted. This post explores the powerful role media played in that delay, how communication continues to shape justice today, and why recent moves by the FCC deserve our attention.
Why Foundational Research Should Guide Your Media Strategy (And How AI Is Making It Easier)
Foundational research doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. In this episode of Fireside, we sit down with Anastassia Laskey of Ground Control Research to explore how AI is transforming audience insights making it faster, more accessible, and more human. If you’re launching paid media without a clear sense of your audience, this one’s for you.
Honoring Queer History: How Local Media Helped Maine’s LGBTQ+ Community Find Connection, Safety, and Pride
Discover how queer newspapers helped shape Maine’s LGBTQ+ history—from grassroots organizing to resistance and celebration. In this Pride Month conversation, Benn and Megan Mac Gregor reflect on the power of local media, the importance of preserving our stories, and how we can honor that legacy today.
Fireside with Jared McCarthy: Reimagining Media in a World That Craves Connection
What if brands showed up in moments of real connection—not just in your scroll? In this Fireside episode of Responsibly Different™, we talk with Jared McCarthy, co-founder of Venue Ad Network (VAN), about reimagining media inside independent music venues. From supporting local culture to reshaping ad strategy, this conversation explores how VAN is helping brands connect with audiences—without disrupting the vibe.
Campfire’s Benn Marine Receives Inaugural Kevin Fahrman Award for Community Impact
At the 2025 Broderson Awards, Campfire’s Director of Impact, Benn Marine, was honored with the inaugural Kevin Fahrman Award for Volunteerism and Community Impact. This powerful moment celebrated the legacy of Portland’s “Valentine’s Day Bandit” and the ripple effect of creative work rooted in care, community, and purpose.
Our 2024 Impact Report, a Year of Going Deeper
Campfire’s 2024 Impact Report is here. See how we’re aligning media strategy with measurable climate and social outcomes—while evolving our business to meet the moment.
Why Time Is the Most Overlooked Variable in Media Performance
You can outspend your competition—but you can’t outpace trust. Here's why time matters.
Programmatic I/O Day 2 Recap: Signal Loss, Glass Boxes, and the Challenger Class of Social
Day 2 at Programmatic I/O revealed a future shaped by AI, not automation for automation’s sake — but as a chance to rebuild smarter, more human media strategies.
Programmatic I/O 2025 Day 1 Recap: Why Media Strategy Matters More Than Ever
From AI hype to attribution reality, we joined the Innovator’s Lab to unpack what’s working—and what still isn’t—in today’s media landscape.
What the 2025 Upfronts Revealed and What They Didn’t
Streaming took center stage. Sports betting is the next frontier. And the old-school, transactional model? Still hanging on. Our latest recap breaks down what the Upfronts really revealed—and why a boutique approach like ours might be exactly what this industry needs next.
Why trans rights Matter for business: Reflections from the Maine state house
Our Director of Impact reflects on testifying against anti-trans legislation, making the case that protecting trans rights is essential for economic growth, talent attraction, and a thriving business climate.
Scaling QSRs: Why B2B and B2C Media Must Work Together
Scaling a QSR brand isn’t just about reaching more customers—it’s about attracting the right investors too. Today, we explore why treating B2B and B2C media as separate efforts limits growth, and how an integrated strategy builds both brand love and franchise momentum. If you're ready to scale smart, this one's for you.
Media’s Carbon Shadow: Confronting the Hidden Climate Cost of Advertising
Media isn’t just telling the story of the climate crisis—it’s shaping it. At Campfire, we’re rethinking how media can reduce harm, amplify truth, and drive real change.
Media at a Crossroads: How Policy Shifts and Political Power Are Reshaping the Media Landscape—and Why Brands Should Pay Attention
Who controls the narrative—and at what cost? Brands can no longer afford to ignore the impact of where their media dollars go.
Quarterly Impact Roundup: How Media Shaped People and Planet in Q1 2025
From DEI investigations to AI ethics and climate storytelling, Q1 revealed the power media holds in shaping our world. This roundup unpacks five major stories that show why every media choice is a cultural decision—and how your brand can lead with purpose.

