Mixed Signals from Semafor Media Freakonomics’ Stephen Dubner on why long-form podcasting isn't dead yet
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Jan 23, 2026 
Stephen Dubner, co-creator and host of Freakonomics, discusses the evolution of journalism and the value of curiosity-driven reporting. He reveals how he resisted selling to Spotify, critiques insider trading laws, and shares his new TV experiment that blurs the line between live discussions and podcasting. Dubner also dives into prediction markets versus traditional punditry, and amusingly contemplates opening a pizza place with a renowned chef. He argues that long-form storytelling remains vital, even in the face of industry shifts.
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Digital Tools Accelerated Old Market Forces
- The digital revolution amplified journalism's market-driven instincts rather than inventing them.
- Stephen Dubner argues new tools accelerate audience targeting that newspapers always did.
Serve The Curious, Not The Tribe
- Aim your work at curious listeners, not at selling or promoting a team identity.
- Dubner suggests curiosity-driven reporting attracts a heterogeneous audience across politics and geography.
Exploratory Versus Proclamation Journalism
- Dubner distinguishes exploratory, curiosity-led journalism from proclamation-driven outlets.
- He says many readers want information to live their lives, not to be told how to think.
