Better Offline Watching the Watchmen with Jason Koebler
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Dec 18, 2024 
Jason Koebler, a journalist at 404 Media, shares insights on the shifting landscape of tech media and the challenges facing independent outlets. He discusses the decline in quality of major social platforms and the rise of AI-generated content, advocating for more grassroots journalism. Koebler reflects on the impact of influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump on media dynamics. The conversation highlights the need for deeper, more responsible reporting and the importance of holding tech executives accountable in an ever-evolving industry.
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Facebook's AI Strategy
- Facebook (Meta) is prioritizing AI-generated content, effectively becoming a "shitty TV channel".
- This prioritization of AI slop is a deliberate strategy, not an accident.
Centralization and Journalism
- Big tech's centralized power is a root cause of current tech issues.
- The journalism industry, while facing challenges, is in a better position now than it was two years prior.
Platformer and Legacy Media
- Ed Zitron believes Platformer, despite claiming independence, has damaged the tech industry with its Anthropic coverage.
- Legacy media like The Verge has produced in-depth journalism, but faces challenges from OpenAI.