The Digital Media Experts Aren’t Afraid of AI — Here’s Why

We already know AI is everywhere, rapidly influencing every industry. We want to reframe the conversation so people think differently (and optimistically, even) about AI and its applications. We’ll be hosting several panel discussions with leaders across myriad sectors to identify how they’re using AI and what they’re excited about in the near- and long-term future of work.

First up, we kicked off 2025 with a lively conversation with several media leaders:  

• Kate Watts, CEO of 50,000feet
• David Solomon, President and CEO of Viamedia
• Jeff Reine, media consultant  

We discussed how embracing AI can lead to better marketing strategies, more innovative creative work, and stronger B2B and B2C relationships. Here are some key takeaways:

Think Big Picture — Then Go Bigger

It’s not enough to merely adopt AI because it’s the thing to do. AI is not a buzzword or trend, it’s a revolution for the business world. Savvy business leaders should look across the entire organization and customer journey to determine where AI can be effectively integrated, not forced. Finding the right fit through experimentation is crucial, especially with the rise of AI agents and tools, according to media consultant Jeff Reine.

“You have to really rethink your business model. Not just, ‘How can I implement AI here? What use case will it work?’ But ‘How can AI power and drive my business?’” says Kate Watts, CEO of 50,000feet.  

As a result, she adds, organizations will be less siloed and overworked, making room for new innovations.  

AI Can’t Replace Creativity, but It Can Facilitate It

“You wake up and the media has changed just 10 minutes ago. Things are moving so fast, you’re either evolving or you’re going to die,” jokes David Solomon, CEO of Viamedia. But when it comes to serving his employees and customers to the best of his ability, he’s serious about using AI.  

“Time is our biggest commodity,” adds Solomon, who uses AI to cut down time his employees spend on repetitive or menial tasks; every hour saved using AI gives his team the space they need to think more creatively and work smarter.  

Watts comes from the same perspective: It’s not about using AI to replace creatives and their work, rather, it’s about facilitating the creative process.  

“We’re using AI to allow the brilliance to have more time to express itself. … A lot of that mundane activation, efficiency, asset creation, production work can be pushed over to AI so it allows our creatives to have more creative genius,” says Watts.  

It Always Comes Back to Trust

Successfully implementing AI in the media field requires significant trust from consumers, clients, and employees alike. Overcoming deep-seated skepticism requires leading with transparency, ethics, and a whole lot of trial and error. ‍

• Consumers: Users are quick to parse out AI from the crowd. As long as their needs are being met, the product is relevant to their interests, and their privacy is protected, building trust with audiences is getting easier. A word of caution: Get too close and it gets “creepy,” such as algorithms that seem to eavesdrop or Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday commercials. The mark is always moving, as is the consumer’s tolerance for conspicuous AI. ‍
• Clients: Clients are looking for results, efficiency, and brilliant work all rolled into one. AI is making it easier to meet these high expectations. They’re already using many of the same tools you are, so when you’re candid about building AI into your workflows and strategies to streamline deliverables, they’ll know you’re investing your time and their money into what matters most: delivering high-quality work, within scope. ‍
• Employees: Rewire your team’s perspective on AI by reminding them what they love to do and what they’re good at. Would their time be better spent on mundane tasks or getting several hours head-down in a creative brainstorm? When you give your employees the time and space to do really good work, the results (and resulting trust) will speak volumes.  ‍

AI is Raising the Bar. Rise with It.

The promise of AI is undeniable. At the speed AI is moving, it’s almost impossible to dream up what innovations could look like in a few more years. Watts is predicting a big rise in entrepreneurialism due to the lower costs of starting up and the ability to test and iterate quickly.

“If you’re doing one campaign or strategic initiative … why not do three more? I think we’re going to see incredible product development,” says Watts. “Failing fast is going to take on a whole new meaning.”

AI is Designed for the Aggressively Curious

Now is the time to experiment with AI in media — or risk falling behind.

“You can be Blockbuster or you can be Netlflix, but you gotta choose the right one,” says Solomon. You’ve got to be curious and involved in AI or else you’re going to find yourself on the Blockbuster side.”

The right AI tools can streamline workflows, boost creativity, and drive results. From content creation and editing to project management and ad optimization, Quantum Rise can help you pinpoint, design, and implement the best AI strategy for your business. Let’s talk about how AI can give you an edge.

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Check out the full webinar here: