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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Apple TV's Dilemma
- Apple TV faces a dilemma: maintain its ad-free prestige or prioritize subscriber growth.
- Its $1 billion streaming loss raises questions about the viability of its ad-free model.
Ben & Jerry's vs. Unilever
- Ben & Jerry's accuses Unilever of firing its CEO over social activism, highlighting the clash between brand values and parent company control.
- This follows a lawsuit where Ben & Jerry's claimed Unilever silenced its support for Palestinian refugees.
Brands and Politics
- Brands struggle to navigate social and political issues, facing pressure to be authentic while avoiding alienation.
- The increasing politicization of culture makes it harder for brands to participate without taking sides.