Hearst’s Big Move Into Tech Raises Questions Of Responsibility

Amazon reports its voice device Echo was its top seller over the holidays. Hearst is hoping to plant its feet firmly in technology’s future, too. The company has been experimenting successfully with content on both the Echo and Google Home.

As new forms of technology emerge, the impact of these devices and platforms pose new challenges and opportunities for publishers. While the move from print to digital has been bumpy for many outlets, those companies choosing to focus on a digital-first future reap some early benefits.

Business Insider reports that Hearst is not only investing resources in ways to monetize its brands across voice devices—which are said to number more than 130 million by 2020—but has begun to see revenue, specifically with the Echo.

 So far, Hearst has offered content such as daily horoscope readings from Elle and inspirational quotes from Oprah Winfrey, through her eponymously titled magazine.

The company also introduced something called “My Beauty Chat,” which is essentially a podcast available twice a day to subscribers in which editors offer beauty advice for five to 10 minutes. Most interesting: The podcast spans the company’s brands, including editors from Good HousekeepingCosmopolitanElle and Oprah. L’Oreal is a paid sponsor.

According to BI, Hearst has seen so much success, it is ramping up its explorations into voice devices to take advantage of its early lead.

For the full story read Business Insider at MediaPost