The Digiday Podcast
AI-powered paywalls and the Trump Bump: A look inside the state of the publishing business
Mar 25, 2025
Sara Jerde, managing editor at Digiday, along with reporters Alexander Lee and Sara Guaglione, dive into the rapidly changing publishing landscape. They discuss the integration of AI in paywalls and innovative strategies for subscriber acquisition. The trio also explores the impact of recent shifts in Google's algorithm on publishers and the economic challenges they face. Additionally, they touch on the uncertain future of TikTok amid acquisition talks, raising questions about advertising dynamics and brand authenticity in a polarized world.
53:29
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Quick takeaways
- Apple TV's financial struggles reveal challenges in sustaining an ad-free model, particularly as competitors shift to ad-supported strategies.
- Ben & Jerry's conflict with Unilever underscores the tension between brand activism and corporate interests in a politically charged environment.
Deep dives
Apple TV's Financial Struggles and Streaming Trends
Apple TV is facing significant financial challenges, reportedly losing over $1 billion annually on its streaming service. Despite these losses, the platform continues to prioritize ad-free content, raising questions about its subscriber base's ability to sustain this business model. The conversation around Apple TV coincides with broader trends in the streaming industry, where competitors like Netflix and Disney have started reporting profitability after introducing ad-supported tiers. The potential shift towards ads raises concerns about how Apple can attract a younger audience without compromising its brand identity as a premium service.
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