Our Founder’s Letter
November 5, 2004
Dear Team,
The following represents a synthesis of the ideas we have discussed since our launch early this year regarding our company principles. Our discussion encompassed two primary categories: our focus on content and our work values. We merged these two lists
to develop the eight principles that represent our company. These principles define us.
The eight principles that define our professional mission at PMC and our culture are as follows:
- Exceptional Original Content, No Substitutions
- Indulge in Curiosity But Demonstrate Impact Quickly Because Speed, Execution and Accountability Matter
- Confidence Without Arrogance
- The Best Ideas Will Win
- Endeavor to Get the News FIRST, But We Must Always Get the News RIGHT
- Focus Less on Buzz, PR, and Boasting and More on Our Brands and Their Results
- The Worst Mistake This Company Can Make Is Being Too Afraid to Make One
- Proudly an American Company, But Forever a Global Citizen
Exceptional Original Content, No Substitutions. We are a CONTENT company; content is our lifeblood as a business. We must remain dedicated to delivering the most unique and compelling content to our audiences every day, never sacrificing
a strong point-of-view.
Indulge in Curiosity But Demonstrate Impact Quickly Because Speed, Execution and Accountability Matter. We stay focused on creating content that is fresh and progressive. And we refuse to compromise on design—we value the look and
feel of all we produce and it shows. In all we do, we work smart. We focus and we execute.
Confidence Without Arrogance means we will always want to be the best, and for us that means that we prioritize success but also remember humility is our strength, too—we pride ourselves on knowing when we have an opportunity to
learn.
The Best Ideas Will Win. Our company is not a place where senior management is going to lead and everyone else in the organization will follow. Our company is a place where the best ideas win, no matter who presents them.
Endeavor to Get the News FIRST, But We Always Must Get the News RIGHT. It’s not just about being the first to publish a story; it’s also about publishing the story right. We have a commitment to thoughtful and thorough storytelling
that is rigorously reported with high journalistic standards.
Focus Less on Buzz, PR, and Boasting and More on Our Brands and Their Results. Delivering results—for our stakeholders, our community and our culture—is our priority. Here, our constellation of brands are at the forefront
and our content and results speak for themselves.
The Worst Mistake This Company Can Make Is Being Too Afraid to Make One. The worst mistake we can make is being too risk adverse to make meaningful progress. We must continue to celebrate our wins, but we need to celebrate our mistakes,
too. Because mistakes mean we are taking the risks needed to evolve.
Proudly an American Company, But Forever a Global Citizen. Global Citizenship is the idea that one’s identity—or, in our case, company—transcends geographical or political borders. Responsibilities or rights are derived
from membership in a broader class: “humanity.”
Please spend a few moments to read (and reread) each of the principles carefully, as these commitments are the foundation of our company life.
With thanks and continued great expectations,
Jay Penske
Founder & CEO
