Ankler Media, the most incisive and trusted voice in coverage of the entertainment industry, has announced two key hires: Kelsey Stefanson as design director and Simone Flournoy as communications manager, both newly created roles. As Ankler Media continues to expand its team, these strategic appointments strengthen the brand’s creative and communication capabilities, further solidifying its position as a trusted industry leader.
As design director, Stefanson will be responsible for the visual expression of Ankler Media brands — flagship The Ankler, creator economy newsletter Like & Subscribe, and book/IP standalone The Optionist — across all platforms. She joins Ankler Media following more than a decade at The Hollywood Reporter, where she climbed the ranks from freelance designer to design director.
During her tenure at The Hollywood Reporter, Stefanson led the creative work for digital editorial products, special awards-season content for print and digital, as well as international film festival daily magazines. She also designed and managed the visual direction of the relaunched THR.com and overhauled the look of THR’s social media channels. Stefanson’s work has been awarded and recognized by multiple organizations including the Society of Publication Designers, ASME and the Los Angeles Press Club.
As communications manager, Flournoy will be responsible for developing and executing external communication strategies for Ankler Media as its growth accelerates. Prior to this role, Flournoy was a senior communications coordinator at The Washington Post for almost three years, increasing national and international visibility through radio, podcas, and television opportunities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey and Simone to the Ankler Media team,” said Janice Min, CEO and editor-in-chief of Ankler Media. “Kelsey has a remarkable aesthetic, and her inspired approach to design and storytelling will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity of all our Ankler Media properties as we continue to evolve and grow. Simone’s strategic communications expertise will help us continue to own the intersection of business and entertainment, and amplify our top-notch reporting in a changing media landscape.”
“The Ankler has quickly become a key voice in Hollywood, ushering in a new era of ambitious and inventive coverage of the entertainment industry,” said Stefanson. “I am thrilled that Janice andRichard Rushfieldhave asked me to steward the creative direction of the brand.”
“I’m excited to join Ankler Media as the communications manager, especially as independent voices continue to change how audiences consume news and information,” said Flournoy. “The Ankler’s smart and thoughtful writing cuts through the noise of the industry, and I can’t wait to help further amplify that authenticity and elevate such impactful reporting.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Ankler Media's events partnership with the NAB Show to introduce the Business of Entertainment track. The company also recently added industry veteran Lesley Goldberg to its Series Business newsletter team. Ankler Media continues to experience significant growth, with ad revenue up 500% year-over-year in 2024 and subscription revenue increasing by more than 600% since its launch as a Y Combinator-backed company in 2022. With over 145,000 subscribers across its suite of newsletters and more than 1.3 million podcast downloads, Ankler Media has expanded into live events and remains the third-largest business publication on Substack.
Stefanson and Flournoy both start on March 17.
About Ankler Media:
The Ankler newsletter originally launched in 2017 and quickly became a trusted voice in entertainment business journalism, widely circulated among the most influential leaders in Hollywood. Described as a “hit Hollywood newsletter” by The New York Times, The Ankler provides an uncompromising alternative to traditional trade reporting, shining a light on the often underreported aspects of the industry. Formed as Ankler Media in January 2022, the company is led by CEO and Editor-in-Chief Janice Min and Editorial Director Richard Rushfield. With multiple newsletters, podcasts, and live events, Ankler Media delivers deep insights and analysis on the rapidly evolving world of entertainment. For more, visit: https://theankler.com
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