The Independent vs Vox Media

The Independent's social commerce revenue surpasses SEO

The Independent's social-commerce revenue surpassed its SEO-based revenue for the first time in September, indicating a shift toward social platforms and away from search traffic, which has declined partly due to AI. CEO Christian Broughton declared the old search-and-social model 'dead' and outlined four growth areas: AI, creator-led studio work, e-commerce, and membership, expected to contribute nearly half of 2026 revenue. The company reported £55.1 million in 2025 revenue, up 4%, with profit before tax rising 9% to £3.5 million. Broughton also highlighted AI productivity gains, including the 'Bulletin' news app with 12 million monthly users, the 'Eva' AI feature that reduced bounce rate, and a live news team six times more productive. Meanwhile, Meta's upcoming terms update on October 30 extends AI training scraping rights to all linked websites, criticized as a data grab that may override robots.txt and bypass licensing. In parallel, e-commerce platforms are navigating AI agent integration, with Amazon blocking third-party agents while Walmart and Target partner with OpenAI, and Zillow licensing data to Google for Gemini.

• The Independent's social-commerce revenue surpassed SEO-based revenue for the first time in September.
• CEO Christian Broughton declared the old search-and-social business model 'dead'.
• Meta will extend scraping rights to all websites linked on its platforms starting October 30.

Zelensky calls on Trump to act after Russia violates energy ceasefire

The Independent's news section has been updated with new top stories including Ukraine-Russia conflict, a school stabbing in Poland, NHS prescription changes, and other current events.

Taboola: Tesco Clubcard Readership Surges 1,876%

Taboola's Newsroom data shows UK readership of Tesco Clubcard articles rose 1,876% in the most recent 30-day period versus the prior 30 days, generating more than 335,000 page views across Taboola's UK publisher network (up from ~17,000). The surge is attributed primarily to the impending expiry of £11 million in Clubcard vouchers, which publishers warned would become invalid after 11:59pm on 31 August. Additional drivers cited include the return of Clubcard Challenges, Tesco’s "Know What You’re Sitting On" campaign and promotional activity such as the OVO Clubcard Millionaire prize draw. Taboola communications lead Dave Struzzi commented on publishers' role and the attention the Clubcard brand is generating for Tesco.

• UK readership of Tesco Clubcard articles increased by 1,876% over the last 30 days versus the preceding 30 days.
• Taboola’s Newsroom recorded more than 335,000 page views for Clubcard-related articles across its UK publisher network, up from approximately 17,000 in the previous 30 days.
• The surge was driven by the approaching expiry of £11 million worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers, which were reported to become invalid after 11:59pm on 31 August.

The Verge restructures audience team for post-search era

The Verge, a Vox Media-owned tech publisher, has reorganized its audience development team to prioritize loyal readers over traffic and page views. The team now consists of specialists in newsletters, platform engagement, and audience analytics, replacing generalist roles. The shift is a response to declining search traffic and the rise of AI, with a focus on direct relationships through newsletters, memberships, and subscriptions. The Verge has seen success, with over half of its subscriber acquisitions coming from direct visits to its subscription page. The publisher is also experimenting with paid media and performance marketing, but cautiously, and continues to use organic social marketing and pitching to larger outlets.

• The Verge has reorganized its audience team into specialists for newsletters, platform engagement, and analytics.
• The reorganization is in response to declining search traffic and the rise of AI.
• Over half of The Verge's subscriber acquisitions come from direct visits to its subscription page.

Hit Business & Culture Podcast ‘Tiger Sisters’ Joins the Vox Media Podcast Network

Vox Media today announced a partnership with Tiger Sisters, the fast-growing weekly podcast where sisters Cherie Brooke Luo and Jean Luo unpack money, power, and love–helping their audience navigate life with confidence and clarity. Vox Media will take on sales, marketing, and distribution for the podcast.

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kara Swisher, and Vox Media Form Podcast Partnership

The partnership kicks off with a special midterms-focused limited series: “High Stakes.”