Offline with Jon Favreau

How Jezebel Changed Media and Why TikTokers Are Rizzing Up Osama bin Laden

Nov 19, 2023

Anna Holmes, founder of Jezebel.com, and Erin Ryan, former managing editor, discuss the site's origin and legacy. They question whether the site was a victim of its own success, how it shaped identity politics, and if its readers are to blame for internet anger. Other topics include viral TikToks about Osama bin Laden, Google's revenue deal with Apple, a screenless device by Humane AI, and the impact of online toxicity. The importance of Jezebel's comment section and starting a media outlet in today's environment are also explored.

01:13:50

Creator website

Episode guests

Anna Holmes

Erin Ryan

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Jezebel provided a platform for women to connect and find relatable content, with the active commenter community influencing the site's content.

Jezebel offered a unique perspective through humor, thought-provoking articles, and an active comment section, shaping gender political conversations.

The podcast discusses the transformation of social media into a platform resembling comment sections, blurring the lines between journalism and comments.

Deep dives

Creating a Community for Women

Anna Holmes wanted to create a space where women could find relatable content and connect with like-minded individuals.

Introduction

2min

TikTok's viral trend: Reacting to Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter

16min

Comparing Viral Content to the Flat Arthur Trend: Potential for Conversion

1min

Revealing Google's Revenue Deal with Apple

2min

Humane AI's Screenless Experience

10min

The Impact of Online Toxicity and Anonymity

8min

The Rise of Jezebel and the Importance of Commenters

13min

Negotiating Feminism in Jezebel's Comment Section

4min

The Influence and Impact of Jezebel on Online Discourse

9min

10.

Challenges of Starting a Media Outlet in Today's Environment

14min

11.

Chatting about Jezebel and Acknowledging the Production Team

2min

Anna Holmes, the founder of jezebel.com, and Crooked’s own Erin Ryan—the site’s former managing editor—join Offline to discuss the origin and legacy of a publication that redefined feminism for millions of women. With Jezebel shuttering last week, Anna, Erin and Jon question whether the site was a victim of its own success, to what extent it shaped identity politics, and if it’s fair to blame Jezebel’s readers for the anger and infighting we see on the internet today. But first! Max and Jon take a closer look at Osama bin Laden apologists on TikTok, the new device that claims to reduce phone dependence, and Ron DeSantis’ fight to post anonymously online.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

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Offline with Jon Favreau

How Jezebel Changed Media and Why TikTokers Are Rizzing Up Osama bin Laden

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Creating a Community for Women

The Power of Commenters

Jezebel's Unique Voice and Approach

Navigating the Challenges of Online Discourse

The influence of Jezebel comments on feminist discourse

The evolution of online discourse and the role of social media

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts