Where does journalism end and branded content begin? In this provocative panel, former journalists pull back the curtain on their transition into the world of branded storytelling. With credibility on the line and truth wearing a new outfit, we explore the ethical grey zones, creative compromises, and surprising opportunities that come with producing content for brands—while still aiming to inform, engage, and resonate.

Heather- Heather Gordon is the managing director of ACAST CANADA. a digital media sales veteran, rising through the ranks of CHUM interactive before taking the reins of the digital sales team responsible for the legendary Canadian music television brand—MuchMusic. From there Heather moved to the CBC, where she led digital sales. And now she leads the amazing ACAST CANADA Team.

Tori - Tori Weldon is an award-winning producer and journalist with 15 years of experience creating audio, television and web content. Tori was a journalist with the CBC, covering local, regional, and national news. She has been making branded content for Pacific Content and JAR Audio, but before that Tori dug into stories ranging from municipal politics to food security, with the ability to step in as field producer, show director and technician as needed.

Lisa - Lisa Hrabluk is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur focusing on bringing national and global issues down to street-level. She’s worked for just about every newspaper chain in Canada, as a reporter, columnist, editor and freelancer. Her byline has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Time, Halifax Herald, New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, Mississauga News, and the Canadian Press. She is a frequent commentator on CBC, recently as the film and streaming columnist for CBC Radio’s Information Morning, Saint John, and on the CBC Listen app.

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