PHOENIX –  With the “democratization” of media channels, advertising opportunities for publishers have dramatically shifted.   Publishers can partner with advertisers to create high quality, engaging content, says Troy Young President of Hearst Digital, in this video interview.

Regarding the so called “separation of church and state” between editorial and publishing, he says that editors should be involved with planning and strategizing sponsored content.   But sponsored content needs to be fully disclosed and transparent.

Ad Age reports on the efforts of Time Inc editors in the publisher’s sponsored content operations.

We spoke with him earlier this week at the IAB Leadership Meeting.