As a marketing professional, I am familiar with the vast and ever-changing media landscape in the world around us. There are so many things competing for our attention, and the breadth and depth of the media we consume is astounding. I recently read a report from global measurement and analytics company Nielsen that opened my eyes about the media content we consume every day. According to their Total Audience Report (Q3, 2018), U.S. adults spend 10 hours and 30 minutes per day interacting with TV, internet-connected devices, radio, computers, smartphones and tablets. The report included a detailed breakdown of media habits and showed that adults spend over four hours watching television, two hours using smartphone media and almost two hours listening to the radio every single day.
It’s no surprise that the competition for viewers, readers and listeners is fierce, which puts the pressure on media organizations to produce content that is relevant, valuable and differentiated. This challenge is common to all forms of media, from television producers to bloggers and YouTubers and, yes, even magazine editors. As managing editor of Live|Play|AAA, I strive to produce content that will help you, our loyal and local AAA Minneapolis members, to travel smart, live safely and save money.
This issue of Live|Play|AAA has some excellent examples of content designed to help you stay informed of the latest travel tips and the hottest destinations. Renata Faeth’s feature, “Affordable Luxury Vacations”, provides six inspiring spots around the world to consider for your next trip. For readers who want to explore their own backyard, check out Katie Ballalatak’s article about Stillwater and everything it has to offer for a quick summer vacation. And what could be more inspiring than the stars? Anyone with a smartphone should check out Chris Hintze’s article about stargazing mobile apps that teach you about stars, planets and constellations while viewing in real-time with your smartphone camera. And finally, fans of random trivia and our beloved state should check out my article, “Weird and Wonderful Minnesota”.
Safe travels!
Jesse Simon
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Managing Editor, Live|Play|AAA
It’s that time of year when the days are getting cooler and shorter but the activities and gatherings are only increasing.
While it might not feel like it when this issue first comes out, there will soon be a shift in the air, and Minnesotans who were once actively outdoors at any opportunity will start to spend more time indoors and back at school. Some people dread this transition, while others are excited for the busy summer to calm down and ease into cooler temperatures and the holiday season. The good news is there is plenty to do around the Twin Cities and beyond, whether you prefer to become an official homebody or are itching to get out and make the most of every second before the first few snowflakes start to accumulate.
There’s something about the month of May in Minnesota. It’s a favorite month for many, including myself, and not just because it’s my birthday month.
We have officially reached the point of winter where we’re all getting stir crazy and are aching for those warm summer days.
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