How Technology Will Shape Media in 2025, with Jessica Lessin
Jan 10, 2025
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Jessica Lessin, founder and CEO of The Information, shares her expertise at the intersection of journalism and technology. She discusses the innovations showcased at CES and how they might transform media consumption. The conversation delves into the complex relationship between tech giants and politics, and their impact on advertising trends for 2024. Lessin also illuminates the challenges of maintaining audience trust in today's politicized media landscape and how AI could reshape content creation and journalism integrity.
Technological advancements showcased at CES, such as AI and robotics, may significantly change the way media content is consumed in the future.
The evolving relationship between tech companies and political landscapes is reshaping content moderation policies and audience perceptions in the media industry.
Deep dives
Emerging Technologies at CES
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlights significant advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of AI and robotics. The event showcases a variety of innovations, from AI agents designed for advertising to futuristic gadgets like stretchable screens and microwaves capable of live streaming. One notable trend is the growing role of robots in daily life, as demonstrated by NVIDIA's presentations on robotics, hinting that these technologies may soon enter consumer homes. This shift emphasizes the vital relationship between technology and media, where the evolution of screens drives how content is consumed.
Challenges in Technological Adoption
Despite the hype surrounding new technologies, many innovations have been slow to materialize, particularly with projects like self-driving cars and vertical takeoff taxis. These delays can be attributed to various factors, including high costs and regulatory hurdles that make implementation challenging. Moreover, media narratives may exaggerate technological advancements, leading to increased public expectations that often surpassed reality. The conversation around these developments underscores the need for skepticism while remaining aware of their potential impact on society.
Media Strategy Among Tech Giants
Top technology companies are increasingly focused on creating engaging video content as a core strategy to drive consumer interaction. The growing competition for audience attention has led platforms like Netflix and Amazon to invest heavily in sports content and original programming. Additionally, advancements in AI and content creation tools are expected to revolutionize how media is produced, allowing creators to generate multiple forms of content efficiently. This shift promises to amplify the volume of media produced while raising questions about originality and audience engagement.
Evolving Relationships in Media and Politics
The relationship between Silicon Valley and political figures, particularly under the Trump administration, has shifted dramatically, driving tech companies to embrace more controversial positions. Tech leaders perceive new political landscapes as permissions to act without the constraints typical of prior administrations, reflecting deeper ideological changes. This evolving dynamic creates potential implications for content moderation policies and the overall culture of media consumption. Companies now find themselves navigating the complexities of audience perception and brand safety as they adapt to this new political reality.
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased an array of new gadgets, screens, and robots – but will any of them impact how and what we consume? Or will the real changes come from Washington, where the big tech companies from Meta to Amazon seem to be targeting their attention? To discuss all the ways that tech and tech leaders will impact the media industry this year and beyond, Ben and Max talk to Jessica Lessin, founder and CEO of The Information. And Max hits the ground running with his first episode as co-host, as Taniacs rejoice.