People vs Algorithms Retro Digital
43 snips
Jan 16, 2026 The conversation dives into the resurgence of retro media formats like events, newsletters, and classifieds. Hosts share colorful insights from CES and the Affiliate Summit, highlighting how effective events can drive media revenue. They tackle the challenges of transforming legacy news organizations and argue for distinct brands over generic news. Micro-dramas, resembling fast-paced soap operas, rise in popularity as engaging content. Finally, the hosts discuss the revitalization of California’s culinary culture and the impact of owned networks in the digital landscape.
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Events As A Revenue Hack
- Events act as a revenue and distribution hack that can fund a media business before content influence catches up.
- If you rely chiefly on events you become an events company, not a traditional media brand.
The Deep Resistance To Newsroom Change
- Changing large legacy newsrooms is exceptionally difficult because of institutional resistance and journalist guild dynamics.
- Structural reporting lines and culture make rapid transformation risky and slow.
Generic News Is Losing Its Edge
- Generic, utility-style network news is losing relevance; distinctiveness now matters more than brand legacy.
- Networks must become essential and distinctive or face accelerating decline.