I am a freelance writer for EContent Magazine (www.econtentmag.com). I am seeking to interview digital publishing and marketing professionals, ad blocking experts, and other industry experts for the following story topic:

HOW AD BLOCKING IS AFFECTING DIGITAL PUBLISHERS/CONTENT PROVIDERS. This story will explore how and to what extent ad blocking programs/technology are appealing to users and how digital content providers/publishers need to prepare for/respond to this threat if they rely on digital ads. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to for this story. I prefer to conduct an email interview (whereby you send me written answers to my questions below that I can use as quotes in my story, which is often easier and ensures no accidental misquoting), although I can likely accommodate a phone interview if you prefer. My deadline is noon central, Thursday, Oct. 8. Please e-mail me back your interest and availability or your typed up answers to these questions:

QUESTIONS
1. What is “ad blocking,” who is using it and why, and on what devices? Who are the major ad blocking software/program players out there, and how do their apps/programs work?
2. How can use of ad blocking technology seriously affect digital publishers/content providers who rely on digital/online ads? What are the consequences/repercussions here and why is this such an important issue for them to consider and respond to?
3. What tips/suggestions would you give to digital publishers so they can counteract the effects of users employing ad blockers? Should and will the increased use of ad blocking software/apps force publishers to produce better ads that are less taxing on smartphones/tablets/mobile devices?
4. How can small publishers sustain their ad-reliant business models in this age of increasing ad blocking? What can/should they be doing to survive?
5. Should publishers be migrating away from traditional ads and integrating more native ad/influencer content/branding into their content as a monetization/revenue generating strategy? Why/how?
6. Are there any ways (via clever programming/coding, etc.) for publishers to get around ad blocking technology so that their ads still appear? Or will this simply irritate an ad-blocking user who may stop visiting that site altogether?
7. Do you have any statistics, data, research, or other you can cite or provide that pertains to this topic?

Any other thoughts, comments or ideas on this topic you’d like to add?
What is your full name, title, company, and city/state headquarters?
Do you have any images (e.g., photos, graphics, tables, slides, charts, etc.) that pertain to this topic that you own the rights to that you can email me with a descriptive caption provided (no headshots/stock photography please)?