Navigating Niche Selection and Business Models in Media Platforms

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The chapter reflects on strategic decisions made in the past regarding niche selection and audience targeting in a media platform, highlighting successes and areas for improvement. It explores the idea of creating smaller niche brands, subscription models, and the tradeoffs between different media formats, especially focusing on podcast networks. The conversation delves into major acquisitions in the podcast industry, discussing the value and motives behind these moves and emphasizing the importance of staying hyper-focused on chosen formats amidst market competition.

Dave Nemetz, Founder of Bleacher Report and Inverse, joins Erik Torenberg to share his insights on media business models and the future of the creator economy. They also cover the growth of sports, web3, and B2B media. This conversation was recorded in early 2023

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.

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

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LINKS:

Dave Nemetz: https://davenemetz.com/

The Inverted Curiousity Pyramid: https://davenemetz.com/inverted-curiosity-pyramid/

Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/

Inverse: https://www.inverse.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@davenemetz (Dave)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:13) Insights behind Starting Bleacher Report

(03:21) Pros and Cons of Subscriptions and Ads

(06:12) Funding and Business Models in Media

(14:22) Sponsor: Turpentine

(15:10) Rise of B2B Media and Future Opportunities

(23:03) Strategies for Media Companies

(30:17) Innovative Approaches to Supporting Creators

(48:02) Wrap

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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

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