FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The image above is from the Advertising Council, whose support played a pivotal role in the decision to publish a second edition. With 20 advertisements totaling $2,000, their influence helped spark the creation of News Council®.

Mitchell P. Davis Reflects on the Origins of the Yearbook of Experts and the Journey That Helped Shape It

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The early success of the Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons can be traced in part to the unexpected but decisive support of the Advertising Council, whose participation demonstrated both credibility and commercial viability at a critical stage in the publication's development.

At a time when the concept of a centralized directory of media-ready experts was still unproven, the Advertising Council's commitment—20 advertisements totaling $2,000—provided both financial support and a powerful signal to the marketplace. That endorsement helped tip the balance in favor of producing a second edition, transforming what might have been a one-time effort into a lasting media resource.

That momentum ultimately contributed to the creation of News Council®, an outgrowth of the same idea: that journalists and the public benefit when credible voices are easier to find, verify, and connect with.

"The lesson was simple but powerful," said Mitchell P. Davis, founder of ExpertClick. "When respected institutions step forward, they don't just support a project—they validate a need. That validation changed everything."

From the Book: A Life Shaped by Curiosity, Travel, and Media

In his forthcoming autobiographical reflections, Davis traces the roots of the Yearbook back to a broader personal journey—one defined by curiosity, persistence, and a global perspective.

"I've always believed that access to people—the right people—changes outcomes," Davis writes. "Whether you're a journalist on deadline or a producer booking a show, the difference between a good story and a great one often comes down to who you can reach, and how quickly."

That philosophy was shaped not just in offices and newsrooms, but across continents.

"I circumnavigated the globe twice," Davis notes in the book. "Not as a tourist, but as an observer—watching how information flows, how stories are told, and how voices are either amplified or ignored. You begin to see patterns. You begin to understand the gaps."

Those experiences informed his view that the media ecosystem lacked a reliable, structured way to connect journalists with knowledgeable, articulate sources.

"The idea behind the Yearbook wasn't complicated," he writes. "It was about access and trust. Journalists needed credible experts. Experts needed visibility. The Yearbook became the bridge."

A Resource That Grew with the Media

What began as a printed directory evolved into a widely requested resource used by tens of thousands of journalists, producers, and media professionals nationwide. The Yearbook's influence extended beyond print, eventually contributing to the development of online platforms such as ExpertClick and InterviewClick, where journalists' questions and experts' answers are shared and searchable.

"The original vision still holds," Davis said. "Make it easier for journalists to find qualified voices, and you improve the quality of public conversation."

The Advertising Council's early support remains a defining chapter in that story—an example of how institutional backing can accelerate ideas that might otherwise struggle to gain traction.

Looking Ahead

Today, as media continues to evolve across digital platforms, podcasts, streaming, and real-time news cycles, the need for credible, accessible expertise remains as strong as ever.

"The tools change," Davis writes, "but the need doesn't. People still want to hear from those who know what they're talking about. The challenge—and the opportunity—is making those connections faster, smarter, and more transparent."

About the Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons

The Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons is a long-standing media resource connecting journalists with qualified experts across a wide range of fields. Founded by Mitchell P. Davis, the publication has served as a trusted directory for newsrooms, producers, and media professionals seeking credible sources for interviews, commentary, and analysis.

Media Contact:

Mitchell P. Davis

202) 333-5000 (call or text)