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

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV

Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.

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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:

A Media Operator: https://www.amediaoperator.com/

Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@JayCoDon (Jacob)

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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

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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.

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