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.
What is Echo Podcast Summit?
In a media climate dominated by digital voices and one-sided relationships between creators and audiences, trust in podcasting has become one of the most urgent conversations of our time. On June 19, 2025, Halifax hosted Echo Podcast Summit, the largest podcast event Atlantic Canada has ever seen, bringing together global leaders, creators, and critical thinkers to explore the future of trust in media.
Brought to you by Halifax-based podcast strategy company Podstarter and global podcasting powerhouse Acast, the summit will be held at the iconic Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in downtown Halifax. It promises a day of sharp insight, bold questions, and boundary-pushing conversation about how trust is built, challenged, and reshaped in today’s fractured media landscape.
Proudly sponsored by Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, the event reflects a shared mission to foster integrity and openness across the podcasting space.