Jacob Donnelly, the founder of A Media Operator, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the strategies behind building successful, sustainable media businesses, with a focus on niche markets. They also explore the role of technology and the significance of audience-centric approaches in both the media and events industries, providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions for media entrepreneurs.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
—
SPONSORS: BEEHIIV
Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.
—
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
🎙️ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs
—
LINKS:
A Media Operator: https://www.amediaoperator.com/
Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/
—
X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@JayCoDon (Jacob)
—
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) Inside the mind of a media operator
(02:33) Vision and strategy behind AMO
(10:00) Why Jacob is bullish on media?
(11:34) Sponsor: Beehiiv and Turpentine
(13:23) Core ideas and philosophies
(17:03) Intersection of media and data companies
(25:16) Exploring the SaaSification of media
(33:06) Future of AI in media
(40:24) Media acquisitions and the essence of audience
(49:16) Crypto media lessons and audience type
(52:25) Art of building a media empire
(01:06:30) Business of podcasting
(01:22:23) Future of vertical communities
(01:26:11) Importance of first party data
(01:28:30) Wrap
—
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
