Stagwell Funds Deeper Partnership with Real Clear

Stagwell has increased its investment in Real Clear Holdings (RCH), a pollster, political news and poll averages publisher, podcaster and event organiser.

RCH was founded around 25 years ago by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan, and sold a 35% stake to Stagwell last October.

Stagwell is the owner of the Harris Poll and Harris X brands, and of media monitoring firm UNICEPTA - and since 2023 has enhanced its insight offerings with the launch and development of the Harris Quest Research Suite The group runs an initiative called Future of News (www.stagwellglobal.com/future-of-news ), which aims to support news brands and 'reinvigorate the relationship between news and marketing' - the RealClear investment is part of this drive. The increased stake - percentage not known to DRNO at this point in time - reflects Stagwell's belief that RealClear 'is uniquely positioned to serve audiences seeking substantive reporting, analysis and diverse perspectives in a fragmented information landscape.'

Stagwell's money will help RCH add 'top-tier' media talent and support a comprehensive strategy to 'grow its portfolio, develop new revenue streams, and unlock new opportunities for audience engagement.' The two will work together on these initiatives, which include expanding of the Real Clear events calendar, from conferences to weekly salons; launching Real Clear AI, focusing on critical issues around AI policy and regulation; broadening opinion and commentary content through 'new voices'; and the development of subscription-based products and premium experiences.

In support of this, RCH has already appointed Yahoo, AOL, WWE and HuffPost veteran Jared Smith as President; and Kristen Elliott - who has headed up partnerships and revenue organisations at Condé Nast, Vogue and Kargo - as Head of Commercial.

Ben Berentson (pictured), CEO of Owned Media at Stagwell says Real Clear has built 'an incredible track record as a go-to source for political decision-makers and influencers to understand what is happening across the political spectrum.' He adds: 'It has cultivated a loyal, highly engaged audience, and we see tremendous opportunity to build on that foundation and create something truly distinctive as we head into the next election supercycle.'

McIntyre, who is CEO of Real Clear, states: 'We have worked tirelessly to earn the trust and loyalty of decision-makers and informed readers from across the political spectrum. Stagwell's investment and the addition of proven leaders like Jared and Kristen, will empower us to accelerate our plans to reach new audiences with innovative products and content, while staying true to the principles that have defined our brand for 25 years.'

Web sites: www.stagwellglobal.com and www.realclearmediagroup.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.