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Meet the Media: Madeleine Winer, Editor of AftermarketNews

I am the editor of AftermarketNews at Babcox Media in Akron, Ohio. I am in charge of gathering news for our daily newsletter, hosting and producing podcasts, covering events and writing original content for our monthly print magazine and daily newsletter, among other projects.

Can you tell us what types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

Since I have made the switch to covering parts suppliers and distributors in the automotive aftermarket, supply chain, M&A trends and sustainability are on my radar. There have been fluctuations in supply and demand in the automotive aftermarket since COVID and M&A has increased on the retail service level. Paying attention to who owns who helps give us insight into how a company goes to market. Sustainability is also a hot topic as companies are looking to implement more sustainable practices for a greener and cleaner future.

Lastly, the automotive aftermarket is figuring out how to prepare for EVs. Parts manufacturers are investing in R&D to make sure their parts for EV applications can stand up to the vehicle’s performance standards.

Describe the craziest or most fun story you have written.

I’m working on a legislative story right now that has been fun and challenging to write. To see it go live, subscribe to our newsletter at //aftermarketnews.com/subscribe.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the stories about people creating change in the industry. Content like our Women at the Wheel podcast showcases women who are making a difference in our industry and are inspiring the next generation of leaders. Content about innovations and their positive impact on the industry are always fascinating to write.

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

Relevancy, a strong character/change maker, timeliness and impact.

How long have you been in journalism and how did you get started?

After multiple internships in college, I started as a digital producer at the Louisville Courier-Journal in Kentucky. I transitioned to a reporter there after a year. I then came to Babcox Media after a former boss sent me a job posting for an editor position covering the tire industry for Tire Review, a sister publication of AftermarketNews. I covered the tire industry for about five and a half years and took over the editor role of AftermarketNews in July this year.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am …

Working on house projects. Have any advice for building a paver patio?

What advice do you have for PR people that want to pitch you?

Tell me how the story is relevant to my audience. Understand the type of content my publication produces and who it goes to. Also, please include photos with any news releases you send.

Any pet peeves with PR people? 

See my notes on photos above. Just kidding—honestly, the PR people in the automotive aftermarket are pretty great!

Tell us a little about yourself (family, interests, hobbies, background, some fact about you that few people know, etc.)

I live in Cleveland with my husband and our Goldendoodle, Gucci. We love to explore not only the dining and cultural events in Cleveland but also have a bucket list of places we’d like to visit around the globe. In my spare time, I love to be active—going on hikes, attending yoga classes and spinning classes is my thing!

Connect with me on LinkedIn—that’s where I mostly live. I’m also on X at @MadeleineWiner.