The podcast discusses the downfall of big media and opportunities for content marketers. Elon Musk's proposal for a Twitter subscription model is explored. The challenges faced by the media industry, including declining stock prices and the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, are discussed. Google's new requirement for AI disclosures on political ads is examined. Taylor Swift's partnership with Google and the importance of content creators taking control of distribution and data are highlighted.
Media companies are slimming down and prioritizing streaming and strategic areas.
Google will require disclosure of synthetically altered political ads.
Content creators should build their own assets to control distribution and retain data.
Deep dives
Taylor Swift unveils 1989 Taylor's version track titles through Google Easter egg hunt
Taylor Swift fans unraveled a surprise after breaking Google search function, a virtual Easter egg hunt was used to reveal new track titles.
Google to require AI disclosures on political ads
Google will require political ads featuring synthetic content to disclose when they have been synthetically altered according to the update on the company's political content policy.
Disney and other media giants explore shedding non-core assets
Entertainment companies like Disney, Paramount, Warner Brothers Discovery, and NBC Universal are slimming down and considering selling off non-core assets as they prioritize streaming, movies, and other strategic areas.
The Unsustainable Business Model of Media Companies
The podcast episode discusses the unsustainable business model of media companies that heavily rely on content production and distribution without a competitive moat. It highlights the challenges faced by companies tied to writers and talent, emphasizing the negative impact of strikes on their financial performance. Furthermore, it points out the diminishing returns of scaling the streaming business due to the saturated market and the inability to generate sufficient revenue to sustain the high content production costs.
The Importance of Building Assets and Controlling Distribution
The podcast episode raises concerns about content creators lacking assets and control over distribution on platforms like Amazon, TikTok, and YouTube. It emphasizes the need for creators to build their own assets, such as email lists and direct distribution channels, to establish a direct connection with their audience and have more leverage in the future. The episode urges listeners to support creators by subscribing to their newsletters or purchasing directly from their websites, enabling them to retain control over data and distribution.
Can anyone save the media business? Joe and Robert discuss the downfall of big media and where the opportunities are for content marketers and creators.
Elon is pivoting X/Twitter to subscription only. Incredibly smart or inherently stupid?
Scribe Media is not dead (as reported). Good news?
And Google plays with politics and Taylor Swift.
Rants and raves include Robert's new book (link below) and how we need to buy differently from creators.