The Vergecast The Vergecast Vergecast, part two
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Dec 10, 2024 
Helen Havlak, the Publisher of The Verge, joins Nilay Patel to discuss the recent launch of their subscription model. They dive into the pricing strategy and the complexities of ad-free podcasts. The conversation emphasizes the challenges facing journalism today, including the need for transparency and maintaining journalistic integrity while balancing revenue sources. They also explore the evolution of podcast advertising and the behind-the-scenes process involved, all while acknowledging listener feedback and plans for engaging the audience in the future.
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Why Subscriptions?
- Subscriptions insulate media businesses from platform dependency and ad tech pressures.
- Direct audience relationships are crucial for navigating changing internet dynamics.
Building True Audience
- True audience loyalty and direct engagement, not just page views, are key assets.
- These assets support multiple business models, including advertising, subscriptions, and commerce.
Ad-Free Podcast Challenges
- Ad-free podcasts are challenging due to technical limitations and high podcast ad revenue.
- The Verge needs its ad revenue, making ad-free podcasts financially difficult currently.