In this first episode of Now You Know Media, we sit down with Todd Evans, CEO of Rivendell Media, to explore the business behind one of the most established media representation firms focused on LGBTQ+ audiences in the United States.

Nearly 45 years ago, Rivendell helped place some of the first mainstream brand ads in LGBTQ publications, including Absolut’s now-iconic campaigns in The Advocate and The Interview in 1981. Today, under Todd Evans’ leadership, the company remains a key player in connecting advertisers with LGBTQ audiences, even as the media landscape has evolved.

With over 30 years at Rivendell, Todd shares how the company built a model that simplifies access to a highly engaged but often misunderstood audience across print, digital, and integrated channels.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level diversity discussions to unpack what actually drives results. From the continued role of print in a digital-first world to the importance of showing up consistently in niche communities, this episode offers a practical look at media strategy in action.

We also cover common misconceptions about LGBTQ audiences, the role of research and audience intelligence, and how agencies can approach market segmentation in a way that drives real impact and performance.