• by Melynda Fuller , July 16, 2018

The USA Today Network announced today former A+E vice president of strategy and digital media Kate Gutman would become the company’s new head of content ventures.

In this role, Gutman will oversee expanding the network’s content brands and experiences beyond the boundaries of USA Today and its 109 local news brands. She will focus on a portfolio of niche brands that include Grateful, Reviewed.com and HumanKind.  

Prior to her time at A+E, Gutman worked with Reader’s Digest International, where she led its digital business and also held senior digital and business strategy roles at Rodale, Bertelsmann and Lagardere Group. 

While at A+E, Gutman was responsible for growing the company’s digital revenue and transitioning the company from a linear television brand to a multiplatform entertainment brand. In all, Gutman built relationships with over 30 digital platforms and also launched new digital products across A+E, History and Lifetime channels and content libraries.  

Separately, the USA Today Network has also launched a new augmented reality experience in its app, in collaboration with its space experts from Florida Today. This marks the first time USA Today has integrated AR into its app. 

The 321 Launch app, which allows users to take part in rocket launches through augmented reality, has been in use since late March. Now, some of the features enjoyed through the proprietary app can also be accessed through the USA Today app. 

Ray Soto, director of emerging technology, stated: “We’ve been bringing new storytelling experiences to our audience, and allowing them to engage with our content in new ways through new interactives, virtual reality, and now augmented reality. We’ve seen strong engagement within 321 Launch, and now want to share that experience with our USA TODAY mobile app users.”