John McCarthy is opinion editor at The Drum
And will be talking about how AI will change publishing… just not the way you think

About John’s talk
Your boss probably thinks AI is a miracle tool. Meanwhile, you suspect it might compromise quality. It’s your job to prove your boss right. No pressure.
As Opinion Editor at The Drum, I’ve seen how the ad industry is experimenting with AI, both its potential and its pitfalls. I’ve also noticed a wave of suspiciously typo-free, soulless opinion pieces that lack a human touch. Empathy. Purpose. AI is flooding the internet with garbage. You hate that.
But you can’t not use it. That horse has bolted. Come see a few easy routines that can win you back your coffee break.
About John
John McCarthy is opinion editor at The Drum, where he has spent over a decade covering the marketing, advertising, and media industries from Glasgow. Rising through the ranks from ‘online’ reporter to media editor and now opinion editor, McCarthy, a recovering analytics fiend, is committed to provoking debates in industries that need a little reality check. He is committed to seeking out real stories and diverse voices, both of which do a fine job of that. He is a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University with a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism. He was also a registered first aider but that certificate expired with zero field experience.
The Drum is a leading global publisher sitting at the convergence of marketing, advertising, and media. Renowned for its news analysis and thought leadership, it connects professionals worldwide through its journalism, events, and awards. The Drum champions creativity, innovation, and diverse voices, shaping conversations and trends across the marketing and communications landscape. Shy of that, it’s a great place to watch really good, or really bad, ads from across the world.
Connect with John
LinkedIn: John McCarthy
Web: The Drum